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Lost in translation: experiences of ESL/LEP civil protection order petitioners

ABSTRACT The current study seeks to better understand the experiences of English as Second Language (ELS) and/or Limited English Proficiency (LEP) petitioners as they access the court system for civil protection orders. In analyzing structured observations of protection order hearings, three themes emerged: 1) Delays in Court for ESL/LEP Cases, 2) Judicial Reactions to ESL/LEP Applications, and 3) ESL/LEP Petitioners’ Experiences are Lost in Translation. Together, these themes suggest that language barriers exacerbate vulnerability to re-victimization and contribute to a broader understanding of justice system linguistic integration. To better address the needs of ESL/LEP populations, civil court systems must not only employ additional qualified interpreters but also ensure that they have received the highest certification possible. Acquiring added fiscal resources is key. Directions for future research are also noted.