Domestic Violence Awareness Month - October 2020
This year the Domestic Violence Awareness Month #DVAM seems different. We are not holding rallies wearing purple, not meeting with policy makers and systems leadership demanding reform; yet we renew our efforts to achieve even more than before. We have been living through 2020 in a pandemic, raging fire and climate change induced extreme weather in California. While these extraneous circumstances have turned many lives upside down, today, we ask you to remember & recognize the most vulnerable – victims and survivors of domestic violence.
A survey administered by National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) reveals that in 2019 in a 24-hour period, domestic violence service providers served 77, 226 individuals with their needs. In CA, in the same 24-hour period, the number of victims helped with various domestic violence related services is 5644. The survey also reveals 59% of callers reached out for housing services, 25% reached out for immigration help on the survey day.
This was before the shelter in place orders in CA and around the world which has created a perfect storm for individuals living in abusive relationships. Increased requests for intervention and legal remedies over the past few months have shed light on the ongoing need for resources. The intersections of homelessness, poverty, gender inequality and immigration among others became even more apparent. At Maitri, we saw immigrants limited English proficiency experiencing additional suffering brought on by system-based barriers. The need for comprehensive plan to address domestic violence in our communities is urgent.
At the Federal and State level, Maitri continues to advocate for Funding to prevent Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault; Funding to prevent homelessness for victims and survivors; Immigration Reform and Reproductive rights.
We call on the policy makers to consider the following:
1. Support funding for Domestic violence service providers at the Federal, State, County and city levels
2. Enact and Support policies that address intersectional approach to addressing domestic violence; homelessness, pay equity, poverty reduction to name a few
3. Rethink Law Enforcement responses to crisis situations with special focus on stopping brutality against people of color
4. Evaluate and improve Language Access at city facilities
5. Offer training on Cultural responsiveness to various local government employees and agencies
6. Involve non- governmental organizations as thought partners while planning city activities
7. Uplift the voices of the minority groups whenever possible as they lack representation in committees and other policy making spaces.
We call on the Community members to consider the following:
1. Understand the ills of domestic violence and move away from putting the sole burden on victims and survivors to take action.
2. Exemplify gender equality and healthy relationship at home for the children around you.
3. Learn about diverse communities in California and say No to Racism and religious bigotry.
4. Support leaders and policies that contribute to building a future filled with love, compassion, free of discrimination and stereotyping of immigrants and people of color as well as to ending homelessness, gender inequality and other injustice.
5. Join the Movement - Donate, Volunteer, Spread the word.
6. Recognize domestic violence as a pressing issue, exemplify healthy relationship for the children at home, elect leaders and policies that contribute towards building a just and equitable future for all of us.
Join us in becoming part of the solution. Connect with Maitri (maitri@maitri.org) and see how you can help.