‘One Voice’ National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Event: Domestic Violence Month
Venue: Hilcroft, Houston
Date: October 4, 2008
Photos Courtesy: Razi

Daya, Inc., a non-profit organization serving South Asian families in crisis, once again collaborated with the Houston Police Department (HPD), to host ‘One Voice’ an event to increase public awareness against domestic violence in the community. Held on Saturday October 4th in the Hillcroft area, ‘One Voice’ has been a Daya initiative to commemorate the National Domestic Violence Awareness month.

Over 250 people attended the event, the afternoon was a roaring success. Congressman Al Green, City Council Woman Yolanda Jones, and Mrs. Rina Gavai, the wife of the Consul General of India were some of the dignitaries present to support the event. Participants of One Voice formed a human chain along Hillcroft Avenue spreading the message of peace and violence free homes.

Domestic violence is a serious crime that has significant consequences for its victims and their families. In 2007, Daya served 197 clients from Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and other South Asian communities, conducted 28 outreach events reaching over 4000 people. In 2007, Daya established the first Transitional home in Texas for South Asian victims of Domestic Violence. Since its inception in 1996, Daya has been providing crisis counseling, long term case management, legal advocacy and translation/interpretation services.

Education and outreach is an integral part of Daya’s work. It is Daya’s hope that through the ‘One Voice’ event an inspiring, festive, and meaningful environment was created to bring attention to the serious issue of domestic violence and its devastating effects on families and communities.

The event was supported by Verizon Wireless, Kohinoor Diamonds and Simmons Foundation. Food and refreshments were donated by United Central Bank, Udipi Cafe, Raja Sweets, Madras Pavilion, Thai Spice and Shehnai Restaurant.