Domestic violence in the Arab American community is on the rise. It has become a stigma to discuss the issue, whereas resulting in family changing situations. Arab American Family Services is taking an active role in trying to raise awareness of the situation and try to make changes in how the community sees and handles domestic violence in the community.
Aside from taking in clients and counseling them in our growing Domestic Violence Department, AAFS has been reaching out to local police departments and giving trainings on what police officers can do in a situation where cultural differences play a role.
So far, AAFS has met with the police chiefs and officers from Palos Park, Palos Hills and Lockport to discuss domestic violence.
We believe that it is important to introduce law officials to certain topics related to Arab American clients. Officers are trained about recognizing red flags that are not common in Western culture. Clue words are taught as well as certain hand gestures that may be able to tip off an officer to violence, if the victim is scared to speak out.
AAFS hopes to continue these cultural awareness trainings with our law enforcement agencies but are also relying on the community to help bring awareness to this issue.
If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship and you fear they may be in danger, please call us, or refer them to us. That one call could save a life.
Please call AAFS at (708) 599-2237 for more information.
(708) 599-2237
