On Wednesday, August 13th two DASH staff attended a Department of State-sponsored International Visitor Leadership Program entitled “Combating Gender-Based Violence.” Michelle Linzy and Afusat Olaifa were joined by representatives from Break the Cycle, The Asian/Pacific Islander Domestic Violence Resource Project (DVRP) and hosted by the DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence. They met with five visitors from the Palestinian Territories who work in the domestic violence field in order to share experience and information. The purpose of the event was to “examine various social service agencies involved in the prevention, treatment and assistance to victims of domestic abuse.” The visitors represented the continuum of domestic violence services provided in the Palestinian Territories.

• Saeda N.N. Alattrash: Director of the Mehwar Center, a shelter and referral center for survivors of abuse.
• Nidal K.A. Alawawdeh: Public Prosecutor working mainly on cases of violence against women.
• Maysoon Sayyed Ibrahim Qawasmeh: Head of the Palestinian News Agency, Wafa.
• Sherin J.S. Shalabi: Psychologist for the Palestinian Working Women Society for Development.
• Shadi K.D. Zidat: Project Coordinator at the Palestinian Initiative for the Promotion of Global Dialogue and Democracy.

The DASH representatives enjoyed the conversation immensely. They were able to discuss issues and partnerships with law enforcement, governmental support, and safety and confidentiality practices. Michelle, the DASH Addictions Specialist, said that the event caused her to reflect on the work that she does every day with survivors, “I realized there is always more we could be doing.” Michelle and Afusat also enjoyed connecting with Break the Cycle and DVRP and hearing about the great work that other domestic violence organizations are doing in DC.

Both Michelle and Afusat felt motivated and grateful after meeting with the Palestinian representatives, who are doing great work to combat domestic violence in Palestine.  Michelle states, “the men and women we met with are doing everything they can to ensure that survivors have what they need.”

The big takeaway from the event was that regardless of nationality we are all working towards one common goal: to end domestic violence. “Domestic violence doesn’t know age, country or color. It doesn’t discriminate.” said Afusat, Resident Advocate and Children and Family Activities Coordinator, “I am so glad I went, it gives me the motivation that I need to continue working with families at DASH.” Andrea Gleaves, of DCCADV, who organized the event echoed Afusat’s sentiments, “Ms. Alattrash said it best when she said ‘we are all advocates,’ the challenges that we face here working for survivors of domestic violence are similar to those they face in the Palestinian Territories and across the world.”

We look forward to more opportunities to share experiences with other like minded domestic violence advocates. A big thank you to Andrea Gleaves and the DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence for inviting us to attend!

 

“If everyone helps to hold up the sky, then one person does not become tired.” – Askhari Johnson Hodari