El Arte de Sobrevivir (The Art of Surviving) is a support group program that uses the multi-tiered Promotor(a) de Salud model to provide support to low-income, Hispanic, Spanish-speaking survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and/or stalking. This model employs a Promotora (also known as a Community Health Worker) who is a member of the community served: those living in colonias in Hidalgo and Cameron Counties in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley. Colonias are unincorporated neighborhoods developed outside of city limits that lack city services such as transportation, utilities and road signs. As part of the multi-tiered approach, the program also recruits líderes, or community leaders, who are independently contracted to fully embed the program into the culture of the colonia in which they live.

The Arte de Sobrevivir support group aims to promote healing among women who are primary or secondary survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and/or stalking. This guide builds on the existing strengths of Latina women and utilizes culturally informed tools and approaches. Participants are not only provided with information and form supportive networks with other women in their community, but they also engage in arts and craft projects, which can open space for discussion and healing.