25 Survivors Complete Leadership Training in El Salvador
Summary:
April 2026
25 women and men in El Salvador have completed IJM’s survivor leadership training, marking a powerful milestone in their journey into leadership.
Celebrated by two survivor groups and supported by a trusted community partner, the programme equips people who have experienced physical or sexual violence with practical, hands‑on leadership skills. Across seven facilitated sessions, participants move from theory to real‑world application – gaining confidence and a clear sense of their rights.
Verónica Salgado, a graduate and leader within one of the groups, describes what the journey has meant to her:
“More than anything, [the journey is about] learning so that I can help others who are going through the same kind of violence I lived through. I didn’t know I was being harmed in so many ways. Now I know. I know my worth, I know how to set boundaries, and the cycle of violence ends here – for me and for my daughters.”
Verónica’s words capture the heart of the programme: when survivors recognise their strength, many choose to become leaders who protect others.
The training also helps survivors understand how the justice system can protect people who have experienced violence – through criminal investigations, accountability in court, and trauma‑informed care that reduces re‑victimisation.
With this knowledge, graduates are prepared to support others facing harm. They can offer peer accompaniment, share accurate information about justice processes, encourage people to seek help, and connect them to safe, survivor‑centred support.
Looking ahead, these graduates plan to partner with local schools to raise awareness about violence and ensure children and families know where to find help. They will also build alliances with key community leaders – strengthening local protection networks from the ground up.
These women and men are leading the way in building communities where all people can expect to be safe and protected.