ARIZONA SOUTH ASIANS FOR SAFE FAMILIES
Domestic Violence remains a tabooed phrase for most Asians and South Asians,
more so in our diaspora community, than back in the home-countries, simply
because diaspora communities tend to ward off negative scrutiny by remaining
sheltered and closed. While this helps preserve traditions and culture, it also
perpetuates many negatives, one of which is family violence.
But in the last 20 years or more, Asian and South Asian communities, having come
of age, formed organizations to help victims of Domestic Violence in many of the
larger metropolises in the US. Some of the South Asians here in Phoenix sensed the
need for such an organization here. The thought has floated around for a few years
now. Domestic Violence is hardly a new issue; it is the awareness and recognition
that is more recent. We are a tight-knit immigrant community; were we ready to
face this issue? We found we were! With the help of a few dedicated and committed
people we formed Arizona South Asians for Safe Families or ASAFSF, with
members from Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and the Indian community. In October of
2004 we applied for, and became, a 501-C3 organization. It was a moment of both
pride and humility.
Our mission, as our very name implies, is to emphasize the importance of
maintaining a safe family environment, to increase awareness of Domestic
Violence, and to provide support services to victims of Domestic Violence in
the South Asian community. Our goals are to have community outreach programs
to support our mission, and to provide support services for South Asian victims of
domestic violence.
To that end we need the support of our community. ASAFSF requests your
support! Volunteers are needed to be involved with ASAFSF activities, funding for
various ASAFSF progams such as the helpline, outreach plans, and trainings. If
you are interested in volunteering in any capacity, or even learn more about us,
please e-mail us at info@asafsf.org.
You can also call the helpline at 1-877-SAFE-711.
Thank you,
Members, Arizona South Asians for Safe Families
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