Why Victim Participation Strengthens Justice Outcomes By Karla Hernández, Gerald Ericksen, Giodalys Dávila, Esq., & Irene Ericksen, M.S. Puerto Rico's criminal justice system recognizes victims' rights in statute — but recognition on paper is not the same as protection in practice. When victims are excluded from proceedings, left uninformed about their cases, or denied meaningful participation at critical junctures, the system itself becomes a source of harm. This is systemic

Funding, Outcomes, & Opportunities for Reform by Karla Hernández, Gerald Ericksen, Giodalys Dávila, Esq., & Irene Ericksen, M.S. Despite approximately $60 million in public funding allocated since Puerto Rico declared a State of Emergency for gender-based violence in 2021, femicides have increased 42%, sexual assault rates have tripled, and only 7% of sexual assault cases result in a conviction. The investments are being made — but the outcomes are not following. Our latest r

In Part 2 of our published series for the University of Puerto Rico Law Journal (In Rev), Vivo Alliance examines the current state of...

In this published piece for the University of Puerto Rico Law Journal ( In Rev ), Vivo Alliance explores the urgent need for reform in...

Despite increased government funding and initiatives, gender-based violence and sexual assault continue to rise in Puerto Rico. Where is...

Our latest op-ed, “Justice Now: Strengthening Rights for Survivors of Sexual Violence,” explores the urgent need for victims’ rights...