The statistics are staggering. Every 9 seconds a woman in the US is either beaten or assaulted; more than 3 women a day in the US are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends; domestic violence victims lose nearly 8 million days of paid work per year in the US; the costs of intimate partner violence in the US exceeds $5.8 billion per year: $4.1 billion on direct medical and health care services and $1.8 billion per year for productivity losses. This horrible crime affects everyone. For those who are not US citizens or may be undocumented and living in this country, they face yet another fear. If they report the abuse to the authorities, they are risking deportation, which may also result in separation from their children.
Cabrini Immigrant Services (CIS), Dobbs Ferry, NY, offered Part 1 of a two part series. On September 26th, a ‘Know Your Rights for Domestic Violence’ workshop was held. The workshop was given in English and Spanish. It was presented by Bertha Diaz, MSW, a former intern at CIS. The participants left CIS with a wealth of information about their rights and also about safe places that they may contact.
We also want to educate our Cabrini Kids about domestic violence. They will be making packets for domestic violence victims. On October 20th, the children will be putting items such as combs, toothbrushes and toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner into a bag that will be donated to an agency that assists victims. These packets will not only be given to people who are victims but also to those who are in transition to safe houses. It gives them a few items to help them get started in their new surroundings.
In October, CIS will offer the second part of the series, a workshop on Sexual Assault. Ms. Diaz will return to do the presentation.