Survivors Foundation

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Survivors Foundation (Fundación Sobrevivientes) is a Guatemalan nonprofit organization that helps women who have faced violence. It provides emotional support, social services, and legal help to women seeking justice and protection.

History in short
- In 1999, Claudia Maria Hernandez Cruz, a survivor of sexual violence, and her mother Norma Cruz began advocating for justice after seeing how violence against women was ignored.
- In 2003 the group became Sobrevivientes, an association.
- In 2006 it became the Survivors Foundation, expanding from a small office to a shelter and support services.

What the foundation does
- Helps women victims of violence with counseling, social support, and legal assistance.
- Provides refuge for women and their children who need protection.
- Works to find, prosecute, and convict those who harm women.
- Supports mothers whose babies are stolen in illegal adoption schemes.
- Advocates for reforms to reduce violence and impunity in Central America.

Recognition and impact
- In 2007, the U.S. Department of State noted that Survivors Foundation helped find and convict several murderers of women.
- Norma Cruz, the founder and director, has become a prominent advocate for women’s rights in Guatemala.
- The foundation has inspired reforms and raised awareness about violence against women in the region.

Awards and honors
- 2009: Norma Cruz received the International Woman of Courage Award from U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and First Lady Michelle Obama.
- 2011: Norma Cruz was awarded the Chevalier of the Legion of Honor by the French government.

Challenges and safety
- Since 2009, Norma Cruz and her family have faced threats of rape and murder. Police protection has been provided, and Amnesty International designated their work a priority case in 2011.
- In March 2011, the foundation’s offices were attacked with a firebomb, but no one was injured.

Location and contact
- Based in Guatemala, Serving hundreds of women and families in need.
- Official website: sobrevivientes.org

This concise overview highlights the foundation’s purpose, history, key achievements, recognitions, and ongoing challenges.