Domestic Violence Training for School Officials.

On October 2, 2008, Senator Gloria Romero and Assemblymember Mike Eng will host a free training for school officials for October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Alhambra, CA – October 2, 2008 – Senate Majority Leader Gloria Romero and Assemblymember Mike Eng join forces with the Asian and Pacific Islander Domestic Violence (API DV) Task Force to present a free training to San Gabriel Valley school counselors on the effects of domestic violence on youth for October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Sponsored by Soroptimist International of Monterey Park/Rosemead, the training will be held at the Alhambra office of the Asian Pacific Women’s Center on October 2nd, from 10 am to 12:30 pm.

The training highlights the devastating effects of domestic violence on immigrant youth who grow up observing the domestic violence between their parents. The trainers, Dr. Michi Fu from the Asian Pacific Family Center, Carrey Wong, Esq. from the Neighborhood Legal Services, and Chun-Yen Chen, Executive Director of the Asian Pacific Women’s Center will address the cultural and legal issues that affect immigrant youth survivors, particularly those with Asian and Pacific Islander backgrounds.

School officials are often in the position to first identify youth who are dealing with domestic violence at home. Failing grades, depression, and involvement in gang activity can indicate that the troubles at home may stem from domestic violence. The training will help school officials understand the causes and effects of domestic violence in immigrant youth and provide resources for schools to assist the youth and their families.

By focusing on the youth, the API DV Task Force is trying to break the cycle of domestic violence. “Studies clearly show that kids who grow up with domestic violence in their homes often become victims or perpetrators of domestic violence when they are adults so the goal of this training is to help school officials identify youth who may be struggling with this issue to provide help,” says API DV Task Force Co-Chair Grayce Wey Liu. Her Co-Chair, Maria Foster adds: “Domestic violence is a preventable social problem that requires collective action to address. We appreciate Senator Romero and Assemblymember Eng’s contribution to raise the awareness of this problem, which affects community members of all ages.

To RSVP for the training, call (213) 250-2977. The Asian Pacific Women Center’s Alhambra office is located at 405 N. Stoneman Ave., Alhambra, CA 91801. Complimentary breakfast is provided. CEU’s are available to health care professionals.

The API DV Task Force was formed by a group of domestic violence program social service agencies and community members in November 2004. Its mission is to eliminate domestic violence in Asian and Pacific Islander communities in Los Angeles County by providing outreach, education, and advocacy. The members include shelters, legal services, law enforcement, healthcare professionals, family services, advocates, and community members at large. For more information, go to www.apidvtf.org.

Contact: Maria Foster, Co-Chair
API DV Task Force (951) 313-7531