About Vivo
Founded in 2023, Vivo Alliance was born out of the pressing need to address the systemic flaws within the Puerto Rican justice system that help to perpetuate sexual violence. Inspired by our co-founder Karla Hernandez's relentless, yet fruitless pursuit of justice after being brutally attacked and sexually assaulted in Dec. 2020, we are dedicated to amplifying the voices of survivors, raising public awareness, and advocating for systemic changes that strengthen victims' rights and ensure that perpetrators are prosecuted.
Mission
Our mission is to transform the problem of sexual violence in Puerto Rico and beyond, through advocacy, education, and support. We strive to empower survivors and dismantle systemic failures, creating a safer, more just world for all.
Vision
We envision a world where every survivor of sexual violence is heard, respected, and supported, and where justice is swift, fair, and accessible to all.
Alarming Statistics
1 out of every 6 American women has been a victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime (rainn.org)
In January 2021, Puerto Rico Gov. Pedro Pierluisi declared a State of Emergency due to gender-based violence in the island, which is currently still in place.
According to RAINN, 975 out of 1000 perpetrators of sexual violence walk free
What We Do
Research & Policy
Conducting research and drafting legislation to improve victims' rights.
Advocacy
Engaging with legislators, advocacy groups, and the public to drive change.
Public Education
Raising awareness about the issues faced by survivors.
Our First Initiative:
The Advocacy and
Accountability Project
Project Overview
Throughout 2024, in collaboration with a team of law students from the UPR, we conducted a comparative analysis study of victims' rights legislation throughout each of the 50 U.S. states and 21 other countries. We identified many deficiencies, as well as the current best practices across the board. This groundwork informed the drafting of a new victims' rights bill for Puerto Rico, aimed at addressing the deficiencies, improving the prosecutorial process for victims, and ensuring perpetrators are held accountable, based on the best practices we found in our analysis.
What We Found
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Victim Passivity: Victims are often restricted from actively participating in legal processes.​
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Information Rights: Victims have limited access to information about their criminal cases and rape kits.​
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Escalation Issues: Victims cannot escalate inaction or closure of their case
Our Legislative Recommendations
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Guarantee victims the right to an attorney or legal advocate
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Ensure victim consultation at key legal stages
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Establish time limits for suspect DNA collection
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Ensure that police complaints are not required for rape kit collection and processing
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Ensure victims are informed of case progress and rape kit status
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Set time limits for processing and testing rape kits
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Mandate an annual inventory of all rape kits
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Allow victims to escalate disagreements about their cases
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Ensure victims can gather information and evidence for their cases
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Legal Student Internships
5+
Community Events
3+
Strategic Partnerships with Key Organizations
10+
Media Features
10+
Legislative Recommendations
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2
Research Papers
Soon to be Published in UPR Legal Journal
1
Victims' Rights Bill
To be Introduced in 2025
Us In The Press
Collaborators
We are honored to have collaborated with these renowned organizations throughout 2024 in our Advocacy & Accountability project, and look forward to continued collaboration
Our Fiscal Sponsors
Tax-Deductible Donations & Act 60 Eligibility
Vivo Alliance is proud to partner with two respected fiscal sponsors, Integro Foundation and Coordinadora Paz Para La Mujer, both certified as 501(c)(3) organizations and qualified under Puerto Rico’s 1101 tax code. Through these partnerships, all donations made to support our work are fully tax-deductible, whether you're based in the U.S. or Puerto Rico. Additionally, 100% of donations qualify for Act 20/22/60 compliance, allowing donors to meet their local giving requirements. Depending on the specific project you choose to support, your donation will be processed through one of our fiscal sponsors, ensuring you receive the appropriate tax benefits.
Your Support Fuels Change!
Together this past year, we’ve made remarkable strides, but our work is far from over. Every donation brings us closer to a future where survivors receive the justice, support, and respect they deserve. By supporting Vivo Alliance, you’re not only standing up for survivors- you’re helping us to transform the problem of sexual violence in Puerto Rico and inspire hope in our communities. Join us in creating lasting change!