October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and on October 17th, the domestic violence prevention organization “LeXin Women and Children’s Care Center” partnered with Council Member Sandra Ung in Flushing to hold the annual “Domestic Violence Awareness Day” advocacy event in the main center of Flushing’s Main Street, raising awareness about the dangers of domestic violence and the importance of seeking help promptly.
LeXin volunteers dressed in purple took to the streets, distributing informational materials to passersby and explaining the importance of preventing domestic violence. According to the materials, signs of domestic violence include physical abuse, emotional and psychological violence, verbal abuse, sexual abuse, and economic control.
Deputy Executive Director of LeXin, Dai Siqi, stated that two recent domestic violence-related homicides in New York have highlighted the urgency of raising awareness on combating domestic violence.
LeXin primarily serves Chinese victims, and in 2023, the organization assisted over 800 families and victims of intimate partner violence, with 59% of cases occurring in Queens, and 94% of victims not speaking English or having limited English proficiency. Victims are largely first-generation immigrants. Due to the cultural stigma of “keeping family issues private,” many individuals are reluctant to disclose incidents of domestic violence. Additionally, they lack legal knowledge, financial support, and social resources, leading many to suffer in silence, making their situation more difficult and impacting their children’s emotional well-being.
Council Member Sandra Ung emphasized that victims of domestic violence should courageously seek help, not hesitate to report incidents or ask for assistance. Even if the victim lacks legal status, there’s no need to fear, as police involvement in immigration status is not a concern when reporting, and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) can aid victims in applying for legal status independently, ensuring they do not rely on their abusers. Furthermore, domestic violence involving physical harm constitutes a serious criminal offense, and if the perpetrator lacks legal status, their criminal record of domestic violence may impact their immigration status, underscoring the gravity of domestic violence incidents.
Dai Siqi highlighted that LeXin’s services include a hotline for emergency crisis intervention, counseling and emotional support, Hope House shelter, legal aid services, social assistance application support, mutual aid growth groups, child and adolescent services, parent-child education programs, community public outreach, and youth volunteer services. Those in need of assistance are welcome to call the LeXin hotline (which provides services in Chinese) at 1-877-990-8595. All services for victims are free and confidential.
For assistance, contact the LeXin hotline at 1-877-990-8595, and visit the LeXin website at www.gohny.org.