Eliminating gender bias, discrimination, and harassment, and providing limited legal support.
In its first year of operation, which was 2005, the Southwest Women’s Law Center identified a gap in New Mexico laws regarding economic security for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, including protections for the lack of job security for survivors who need time off to obtain protective orders, consult with attorneys, meet with law enforcement officials, participate in court proceedings, and address the abuse in their lives.
In 2009, SB68, Promoting Financial Independence for Victims of Domestic Abuse, was passed by the New Mexico Legislature. The SWLC helped with the passage of this important new law by providing research, analysis, and technical expertise to service providers and the Governor’s Domestic Violence Leadership Commission.
Health and Safety of Women
Health and Safety of Women
Legal Support
The SWLC provides legal services for Native American women experiencing domestic violence while living in or near one of the 19 Pueblos in New Mexico securing safety and justice for survivors. In addition to legal support, filing protective orders, and obtaining child custody and support, we offer information about state programs designed to alleviate the financial burden of single parenting.
PFML
A Paid Family and Medical Leave policy will allow time for workers to bond with a newborn, care for a seriously ill loved one, or attend to their own medical condition. It will also offer vital “safe leave” for workers and their families affected by domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, or abuse allowing them to secure their safety and address legal needs without fear of losing their job or pay.
Pregnant Worker/Nursing Accommodation Act
In 2020, the SWLC and partners successfully advocated for the Pregnant Worker Accommodation Act. As a pregnant worker or student, your employer is “required to grant a reasonable accommodation for needs arising from pregnancy,” such as a chair, extra bathroom breaks,and time off for appointments. New Mexico law also requires employers to provide a clean, private space that is NOT a bathroom for employees who are breastfeeding to pump.
Anti-Abortion Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPCs)
We work in coalition with our reproductive health partners around the state to educate pregnant people and people seeking reproductive healthcare about the dangers CPCs pose to their health and safety. CPCs target pregnant people of color and low-income pregnant people and provide false information about abortion. CPCs also collect personal data without providing privacy guarantees.
Your Impact. Their Future.
Your impact: immediate.
The Southwest Women’s Law Center focuses on issues that impact women and girls around reproductive rights, economic security, and gender discrimination.
We fight for policies that lift women and their families from poverty, including pay equity, paid family and medical leave, and pregnant worker accommodation.
Stand with us. Together we can forge a future of equality, safety, and freedom for all women.
