La Raza Holds Domestic Violence Dialogue

 WASHINGTON - Dialogue on Diversity presented its 2010 Domestic Violence Awareness Colloquium,Remembrance and Remedy at the architecturally striking La Raza headquarters in downtown Washington. This second annual program formed part of the Domestic Violence Awareness Month observances around the country.  Emphasis in the colloquium presentations evidently centered on the acute incidence of domestic abuse among many immigrant communities in the national capital and other cities – reflecting a plague permeating every class and ethnicity.  Colloquium attendance included an élite of the capital’s active movers in the cause of abating domestic abuse and affording rehabilitation insofar as the deep physical and psychic hurts can be repaired.  Among attendees were women and men from the civil-society domestic violence community, interested policy makers, students and academic researchers in family-related studies, and lawyers dedicated to aiding abuse sufferers in family law problems, immigration, and other situations.

Ø A program highlight was the appearance of Hon. Raúl Yzaguirre, long-time President of La Raza and now Ambassador Designate to the Dominican Republic. In remarks opening program proceedings shortly after 12:00 noon Ambassador Yzaguirre voiced concern that the incidence of domestic violence threatens to undercut much of the otherwise effective efforts, especially in Latino populations, locally and globally, to build sound and decent societies. Remarks of Lynn Rosenthal, White House Advisor on Violence Against Women, rounded out the introductory session.  Building on her own experience at ground level as a shelter manager, she detailed the effects of a range of federal efforts to lessen the frequency of abuse, and noted the strength of genuine concern at the Administration’s highest levels. She related an incident from a recent Washington program on domestic violence. A young woman abuse survivor was overcome narrating her experiences.  The President, waiting off stage until his own portion of the program, hurried out and comforted the woman, standing at her elbow encouraging her while she then managed to finish her story. He helped me get through it, she whispered later.     

Ø “Dialogue on Diversity, in its second annual domestic violence program,” notes its President, Ma. Cristina Caballero, “this year again has observed the national Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It is an observance, but far from a celebration!  The dangers of this often concealed social shame have got to be brought into the open air.  Workable remedies must be put on the table, reviewed, and readied for action. We hope we have moved the process forward in these programs.”   

Ø Ten speakers appeared on the panels to follow.  Rocio Watson, newly appointed Director of AYUDA, reviewed the efforts of her organization to assemble the many needed elements of care to sustain persons harmed by abuse – housing, medical and psychological treatment, and the search for work on a permanent basis.  Claudia Campos, well-known writer and broadcaster, described the problems of substance abuse as both cause and effect of abuse.  Anne Garcia, who runs the Corazón program of WEAVE, detailed the bitter experiences of survivors in the aftermath of a train of abuse, especially in the cases of teen infatuations that can degenerate swiftly into jealousy and violence.  Among other panelists were Juley Fulcher, policy expert now on the staff at Break the Cycle, Rodrigo Leiva, Director of the Latino Federation of Greater Washington, Sabrina Balgamwalla, legal expert on domestic violence in the Asian Pacific American Legal Resources Center, and Elisheba Goldhaber, a 2010 intern now on the Dialogue on Diversity staff, relating the sheer numbers delineating the contours of domestic abuse incidence throughout Latin America.

Ø Acting as Co-Sponsor for the 2010 Colloquium was Mary’s Center.  Among collaborating organizations were the Latino Federation of Greater Washington, the District of Columbia Office of Latino Affairs.  Washington Hispanic and Capital Wire PR were Colloquium Media Partners. Hearsay Interpreting afforded live translation of proceedings in both English and Spanish.