Advocating for Language Access for Crime Survivors with 
Limited English Proficiency (LEP) 

If an agency receives any federal 
funding, they are required to provide 
meaningful language access for people 

with Limited English Proficiency under 

Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act 
and Executive Order 13166. 

Meaningful language access means 
access in the survivor’s language that 
is timely, accurate and effective. It may 
involve interpreters, bilingual staff and 
translated materials. 

National Resource Center for Reaching Victims logo and the National Latina Network- Casa de Esperanza Logo
If your client is denied language access: 

Number 1
Step1 
remind the agency about their 
legal obligation under federal law 

Number 2
Step2 
ask to speak with a supervisor 

The survivor has the right to file a complaint 
against the agency in the event of a language 
access violation. 

Visit reachingvictims.org for more 
resources. 


Useful phrases for language access advocacy 

The survivor needs a qualified (Fill in the blank)  
(language) interpreter and all relevant materials 
in (Fill in the blank) (language). 
My role as advocate is to provide advocacy 
services in language, but I do not have the 
skill level to interpret. Also, it is not possible 
to perform effectively the roles of advocate 
and interpreter at the same time. 
Do you have this form/ document in 
(Fill in the blank)(language)? If not, the survivor 
needs a qualified interpreter to go over the 
document in their language. 


Can you provide an estimate of when the 
survivor will receive services in their language? 
If not, can I speak with a supervisor. 
The survivor’s child/family member 
/friend should not interpret unless there are 
exigent circumstances. Please provide a 
qualified interpreter. 
The survivor looks confused and I believe she 
is not understanding the interpreter. Let’s 
check with her if there’s any communication 
barrier. We may need a different interpreter. 


This document was produced by the Vera 
Institute of Justice under award #2016-XVGV-
K015, awarded by the Office for Victims 
of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, 

U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, 

findings, and conclusions or recommendations 
expressed in this document are those of the 
contributors and do not necessarily represent 
the official position or policies of the U.S. 
Department of Justice.