Not Victims, But Empowered Survivors

Empowerment Is Key To Surviving Domestic Violence, Say ASAFSF Volunteers.

The Arizona South Asians for Safe Families (ASAFSF), a volunteer community-based organization, was established as a 501 (C) (3) organization in October of 2004 whose mission is to emphasize the importance of maintaining a safe family environment, and address the issues of domestic violence in the South Asian community. ASAFSF is in the line of that battered women’s movement which emerged in the U.S. with SAWOs (South Asian Women’s Organization) in the 1980s. ASAFSF has shifted domestic violence from a private to a public issue here in the South Asian community of Arizona. They have intersected ethnicity and gender and have linked immigration issues and domestic violence. The goal of ASAFSF is to empower survivors of domestic violence (DV) to be their own agents.

Currently in Arizona, ASAFSF is the only culturally specific and linguistically appropriate organization that provides support services to survivors of domestic violence in the South Asian community. ASAFSF recognizes that living in a foreign country deprives women of family and extended family support. This is further complicated by economic dependence and often, limited English language skills. ASAFSF operates a toll-free helpline with secure voice message service. Trained volunteers listen unconditionally to survivors of DV who call seeking help. They provide financial support for child care, lawyers’ fees, transportation and other emergent needs. They accompany survivors to court hearings, medical and legal appointments, refer them to appropriate resources, and find translators to bridge communication with local DV service agencies.

ASAFSF conducted their first twenty hours course of volunteer advocacy training in March of 2010. It was appropriately titled “HIMMAT: Healing with Courage - Understanding the Impact of Family Violence on Our Communities”.. It concluded with a seven hours training with special focus on South Asian culture-specific issues. Besides ASAFSF volunteers this session was attended by many members of mainstream domestic violence support services agencies, law enforcement and victim service advocates from the courts. Over the past six years ASAFSF have conducted several community outreach events. ASAFSF held their first day-long conference, “Shakti: the Power in Empowerment”, in April of 2009, drawing enthusiastic participation from South Asian and mainstream communities.

Chai Chat, a signature, community based outreach project by ASAFSF, focuses on small groups hosted by community members. The subject of domestic violence is not pleasant and even daunting, but the informal setting at Chai Chat sessions encourages frank and exhaustive discussion.

Adequate funds are needed for ASAFSF to expand and strengthen their service programs. Tax deductible donations directly support these invaluable services. All donations to ASAFSF are tax deductible.

On Saturday, October2, 2010, Arizona South Asians For Safe Families (ASAFSF), will present the premiere function of the season, “The Power of You”, a thematic dance performance in the Indian classical style of Bharata Natyam, at the Kerr Cultural Center, in Scottsdale, Arizona. It is a story of women taking control of their inherent strength thereby setting in motion the power in empowerment. The program is being donated by “STAGE SANCHAAR”, a collaboration of seasoned artists in Austin, Texas, as a fundraiser event for Arizona South Asians For Safe Families.

The success of this endeavor will be largely dependent on the response of the members of the community. It is ASAFSF’s hope that the community will attend to help advance the cause while they enjoy the performance. This will be a non-ticketed event. Donations are appreciated and all donations will directly benefit ASAFSF. ASAFSF encourages to call early to donate and to ensure seating. Donations can be made by checks and mailed to Arizona South Asians For Safe Families, P.O. Box 2748, Scottsdale, AZ 85252-2748. Donations can also be made online via PayPal at ASAFSF website at http://www.asafsf.org.

For more information about ASAFSF please visit their website at: http://www.asafsf.org or call them at: 1- 877-723-3711.Information may also be solicited by E-mail at asafsf@gmail.com or .