HMONG ADVOCATES WANT MORE DONE IN LIGHT OF RECENT DOMESTIC HOMICIDE IN FRESNO
HMONG ADVOCATES WANT MORE DONE IN LIGHT OF RECENT DOMESTIC HOMICIDE IN FRESNO
A tragic homicide took the life of a young mother on the morning of March 8, 2016. This tragedy reminds us that the Hmong community is not shielded from the issue of domestic violence. Less than a year ago, another domestic homicide case ended the life of another young Fresno mother and her abuser in a murder-suicide.
“The community is hurting and we call for more investments so that women and families have the support they need to leave abusive relationships,” says MaiBao Yang.
Building Our Future is a global community organizing campaign that aims to end gender-based violence so that Hmong families can thrive. California’s Hmong domestic violence advocates also want to stop victim blaming.
Dee Lee shares, “Blaming victims only serves to create an environment of shame for others who may want to leave abusive relationships.”
As long time domestic violence advocates, this group understands that gender-based violence stems from the same system of patriarchy and power and control that exists in all domestic violence cases in America. What differs is how a tragedy like this is viewed when it’s happening in a cultural community.
Advocates believe that our community and service programs can work together in supporting victims and in coordinating resources and services that are reaching and helping not only Hmong women and children, but all victims of domestic violence who are in this vicious cycle of abuse.
We are heartbroken to hear about this tragedy and hurt alongside with our community. As advocates, this tragedy signifies that both the Hmong and American systems continue to revictimize women who are in abusive relationships. Murder is the ultimate and last control abusers have over victims. This ultimate decision leaves a lifelong impact on the children, survivors, and the community.
“We know that a woman is in most danger when she has vocalized her desire to leave an abusive relationship,” says Bao Yang. “We need our community to understand that and for services to do better so that women will go find help in these situations.”
Domestic violence victims have often experienced abuse many times before they leave, and women attempt to leave at least 7 times from the relationship before the relationship ends or she loses her life.
Pang Vang says, “In the Hmong community we know that victims often seek help and support from family members before they make a decision to leave, and there is a lot of pressure to stay in a marriage. That’s why it’s even more important that the community supports victims and services that are already in place to help women and children.”
“The victims most harmed by this practice are children. Children are neglected when their parents are in an abusive relationship, and when violence escalates, some children are left helpless and hopeless in the result of losing one or both parents,” says Mai Thao.
If you or anyone you know is in a domestic violence situation, please seek help. The loss of a life to domestic violence is one too many. The Hmong community can reach out to California Hmong Advocate Network (CHAN). CHAN is a partnership of Hmong advocates from domestic violence agencies in the Central Valley working to address gender-based violence and provide culturally- responsive services for Hmong victims. The following are the list of agencies:
Marjaree Mason Center in Fresno: (559) 233-HELP (4357)
Centro La Familia Advocacy Services in Fresno: (559) 237-2961
Valley Crisis Center in Merced: 24 Hour Hotline: (209) 722-4357
Haven Women’s Center of Stanislaus: 24 Hour Crisis Line: (209) 577-5980 My Sister’s House in Sacramento: 24 Hour Hotline: (916) 428-3271
Building Our Future (BOF) is a global community campaign driven by a network of change agents and movement builders, uniting to change practices, behaviors, and beliefs towards ending gender-based violence. We envision strong and safe Hmong families that thrive from generation to generation. BOF works with organizers in the USA, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. To learn more, please visit us at http://buildingourfuture.tumblr.com.
