Violence against women is a public health crisis, and as nurse practitioners, we’re here to shed light on the issue, provide support, and empower survivors. In this podcast, we’ll discuss the physical, emotional, and societal impacts of gender-based violence, explore resources for healing & most importantly speak with Patricia Castillo! In case you don’t know who Ms Castillo is and what she’s done for the San Antonio community, read below 😉

Patricia has 35+ years of working to end violence against women and families. In 1990, she co-founded the P.E.A.C.E. (Putting an End to Abuse through Community Efforts) Initiative, a coalition of dozens of agencies, organizations, and individuals as well as the F.A.C.T. (Family Assistance Crisis Teams) Program based in San Antonio, Texas. Through collaboration and community organizing, she serves as an advocate, educator, and technical assistance resource to civic, legal, medical, religious, activist, educational, human resource and media groups. She’s done casework at the Women’s Shelter and with inmate women and their families at the Bexar County jail. She was the first social worker ever assigned to the police Sex Crimes Unit-Homicide Bureau. She’s a Board Member of the National Latino Alliance for the Elimination of Domestic Violence. Internationally, she has worked with the National Women’s Institute and the National Network of Shelters in Mexico City and el Centro de Justicia Familiar in Monterrey, Mexico. She’s also provided training in Acuña, Cancun, and Oaxaca.  She conducted training in Honduras, Brazil, China, Russia and Guatemala. She also worked for the U.S. State Department in 5 major cities in Nicaragua educating about the issue of family violence.

She’s an important advocate and is leading the way toward change. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, survivor, or ally, this space is dedicated to education, empowerment, and action. Together, we can break the cycle.

Recorded on Nov. 10, 2021