California advocacy groups help protect farmworker women from violence

About one-third of California’s farmworkers are women, and advocates and a research center report high rates of harassment and assault; women-run groups such as Líderes Campesinas now offer medical, legal and reporting support and hold meetings to explain rights.

California farmworker women report widespread harassment and assault, and community groups are increasingly responding. Recent public disclosures by longtime labor figures have renewed attention to abuse in farmworker communities. Women-led organizations have stepped forward to provide support services and rights education. Key facts: - About one-third of California’s farmworkers are women, and advocacy groups cite high rates of harassment, assault or threats among field workers. - Dolores Huerta disclosed she was sexually assaulted by the late Cesar Chavez, which has intensified public focus on past allegations connected to his leadership. - Women-run groups such as Líderes Campesinas provide medical care, legal guidance, help with reporting, and protection from retaliation, and they hold community meetings to teach women about harassment and their rights. - The United Farm Workers announced it would distance itself from Chavez and abstain from Cesar Chavez Day activities, and California has recognized March 31 as Farmworkers Day. Summary: Advocates say that when women hear others speak up, they gain courage to report abuses and seek help, and community organizations are central to that response. Undetermined at this time.