DEARBORN — Kendall thought she would never be able to survive on her own. Jeannie had to hide her bruises.

Cattie’s husband told her almost daily that she was “stupid” and “dumb.” Those are some of the stories these former victims of domestic violence told The Arab American News for an article last fall.

Kendall, Jeannie and Cattie are among the many domestic violence survivors who found help through an ACCESS program called Safety Oasis for Victims of Crime Program.

This month, members of the public can help support this program through ACCESS’ sixth annual dinner focusing on domestic and sexual violence. The dinner, which will take place on Friday, Jan. 20, from 6-9 p.m. at Byblos Banquet Hall in Dearborn, not only supports the program, it also helps draw attention to the issue of domestic violence within the community.

“Our Children; Our Future: Take A Stand!” is presented by ACCESS Community Health & Research Center, Arab American Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, and Safety Oasis for Victims of Crime.

The evening’s keynote speaker will be Judge Kathleen McCarthy of the Third Judicial Circuit Family Division. The mistress of ceremony will be Carolyn Clifford of WXYZ Channel 7 Action News.

Ticket donations are $35 or $500 for a table. Donations support victims and their families. Sponsorship opportunities also are available.

For more information, contact Mona Farroukh at 313.216.2204 or email mfarroukh@accesscommunity.org.