DOMESTIC HARMONY FOUNDATION presents ‘WALK TO END DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ’

OCTOBER is Domestic Violence Awareness month. Domestic Violence is prevalent in varying degrees in all communities in the United States regardless of income or social status.  It can be verbal, emotional, financial, sexual, physical or a combination of these.  Verbal, emotional, financial and sexual violence in a marriage or relationship is hardly reported and victims suffer in silence for decades. It robs the victim of his or her dignity, confidence and self worth and it is a violation of their basic human rights. The victims of domestic abuse are both females (90%) and males (10%). Men are mainly subjected to verbal and emotional abuse with a small percentage of them being assaulted physically by their spouses. Many females are subjected to extreme cases of physical, financial and sexual violence.

Violence against women and children is an age old crime committed by inconsiderate, selfish, controlling or angry individuals against weaker spouses and children. Often it is not reported to relatives and friends due to false family prestige and fear from the oppressor. Domestic Violence is not a women’s issue and it certainly is not a family issue! It is a community and societal issue because it affects the well being of all its members! The society and family loses the valuable resourcefulness and full participation of the victims. Often children who has seen or endured domestic abuse or violence themselves lose respect for mothers/ women in general, have behavioral and developmental issues or become perpetuators themselves! It is about time that we sensitize and educate our community to face the consequences of the destructive behavior and seek counseling and remedial measures before it destroys the well being of families.

Domestic Harmony Foundation is conducting its Annual Walkathon to increase Awareness and Education of Domestic Violence. The Walkathon is a collaboration of DHF, Student groups from Hofstra, National Council of Jewish Women, Family Faith Institute and other smaller groups. It is sponsored by HAB Bank and Macy’s.  Please spread the word and join the walk with spouses, children, parents, friends, relatives and colleagues to make the event a great success to send a powerful message against domestic abuse. The 1.5 mile ‘WALK TO END DOMESTIC VIOLENCE’ will be on Sunday October 26, 2014 at 10.00 AM in Eisenhower Park Long Island, at Cherry Field, Parking field #5.  Visit www.dhfny.org  for details about the event, Register to walk or to Donate.  Registration fees:  Adults $25, Students $10 .

Domestic Harmony Foundation (DHF) is the only independent community based not-for-profit organization providing services in response to the social, emotional and psychological needs of the victims of Domestic Violence in the growing population of South Asian and Middle Eastern families in Long Island. The members of the organization are mostly volunteers who use the facilities donated by the Islamic Center of Long Island.

The DHF was started in 1993 at the Islamic center as Domestic Harmony Committee (DHC) by a group of women responding to the requests from families among them who were facing domestic abuse issues.  Over the years they started providing counseling, support groups, art therapy, financial assistance to meet basic needs and referrals for professional services to the clients who came to them.

In 2008, to meet the greater demand for their services the DHC became an independent non profit organization and changed its name to Domestic Harmony Foundation (DHF). This made it possible for it to collaborate with government and other organizations, receive governmental and other grants, to raise funds to expand services to more families seeking help, start outreach and educational initiatives to the South Asian and Middle Eastern communities.

 In 2102, DHF started the first Multicultural Annual Walkathon against Domestic Violence in Long island. DHF also stresses the importance of teaching children respect for women and to value the role they have as mothers, sisters and wives. It is important to teach them non violent communication skills to negotiate differences in families, schools, work place and society in general to become better citizens.

I am listing a number of support organizations that a victim can use to get help.  One can go on line to look up the website for the Domestic Harmony Foundation www.dhfny.org or  info@dhfny.org.