DETROIT — October is domestic violence awareness month, and it’s important to remind victims they are not alone, and there are many others who share the same stories as them.
For many Arab American women, it can be difficult to come forward and discuss domestic violence openly, because the community is so conservative and the subject is a cultural taboo.
These women still have several places to turn to throughout metro Detroit for help and should take advantage of the services many of them offer victims.
Domestic violence is an issue that impacts all communities. According to the Domestic Violence Resource Center, one in four American women (25%) has experienced domestic violence in her lifetime. In addition to being physical, domestic violence comes in other forms, including sexual, verbal, emotional, economic or spiritual abuse. In terms of financial abuse, a spouse could try controlling all the financial assets in the marriage. Prohibiting your partner from going to school, or driving is also domestic violence.
Many women may lack knowledge about their legal rights and basic information about what domestic violence is. There are places to get educated on the issue that offer shelter, mental, legal and financial support to victims at no cost.
WHERE TO GET HELP:
The following agencies are only a few of the many places victims of domestic violence in southeast Michigan can turn to for help:
ACCESS Safety Oasis for Victims of Crime Program
6450 Maple Street, Dearborn, MI 48126
313.216.2202
Arab American and Chaldean Council (ACC)
248.559.1990
HAVEN
Crisis support line: 248.334.1274
HAVEN offers shelter to victims of domestic
violence, and other support
Common Ground Crisis Resource Center
800-231-1127
VOICES OVER VIOLENCE:
A remarkable event for all ages, races, sexes, genders. This event was free of charge with complementary childcare. The Voices Over Violence Event is on Saturday, October 19, 2013 from 11:30 am-4:00 p.m. at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, located on 15801 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, 48126. The event will offer free services to domestic violence victims. It will include powerful performances by singers, poets and speakers united against domestic violence; legal aid counseling and family, immigration, disability and other areas.
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