Serving Up A Smack on Abuse
By Kalyani Giri & Avinash Gavai
Last Updated:October 10, 2008

HOUSTON: “Will we tolerate abuse? NO!! “ Thus went the charged call and response repartee between DJ Arshard Virani and the enthusiastic participants at Daya’s second “One Voice Against Domestic Violence,” event in collaboration with the Houston Police Department at the Hillcroft Shopping Plaza on Saturday, October 4.

With the DJ Virani spinning infectious Bollywood and Bhangra tracks, the mood was celebratory, seemingly at odds when juxtaposed with such serious subject matter, but it bore testament to the will and passion of the assembled volunteers in confronting it. Random pedestrians and commuters at Hillcroft paused in their tracks, watching an intriguing mix of young and old holding aloft D.I.Y. home made banners decrying domestic abuse. Members of the Daya board, young volunteers and a surprisingly sizeable male contingent formed a ‘human chain’ along the Shopping Plaza street, creating a commotion that was bound to attract much attention, thus achieving the aim of creating awareness of an issue that has long plagued the South Asian community.

When South Asians immigrated to the United States in great numbers in the 1970s, they were passionately driven to achieve economic stability and socialize the next generation to retain the traditions of their home culture. During these years, the immigrant community went to great lengths to project an impeccable public image by denying the existence of social problems such as domestic violence, sexual assault, child sexual abuse, mental illness, racism, and intergenerational conflict. It was not until recently that activist groups such as Daya have worked to bring these issues out into the open. In an era where ‘honor killings’ and marital rapes are becoming all too common, the work of an organization such as Daya has assumed a great poignancy.

“This event is useful as it gives people an idea of what we do. After last year’s event, our client calls’ increased,” said Lakshmy Parameswaran, a founding member of Daya. Next year fliers will be printed in Spanish and Gujarati too, to broaden Daya’s outreach, added Parameswaran.

Congressman Al Green was a major dignitary present to support the outreach endeavor by Daya and he paid tribute to the courage of South Asian women who are fighting for their rights.

Area restaurants sponsored lunch for the gatherees and Daya volunteer Ramesh Anand enthusiastically plied volunteers and visitors with a wide variety of food.

President of the Daya Board, Padmini Ranga thanked volunteers and sponsors supporting the event such as Kohinoor Diamonds, Shehnai Restaurant, Raja Sweets, United Central Bank, and Verizon, to name a few. Prosecuting attorney and Houston City Council at Large Position 5 contender Jolanda Jones told attendees of her own experience of being in an abusive relationship for six years.

“Ask me for help anytime. I understand the struggle, the shame. For anyone in that situation it takes great courage to leave,” said jones. ‘I’m raising a son, and I have to be careful that this cycle does not continue.”

The HPD presence was visible through the event. HPD works closely with Daya in cases of domestic violence, directing clients to Daya counselors and offering ongoing support.

‘I’m one with Daya and I’m glad to say that HPD has connected with very positive results in conjunction with Daya,” said Officer Muzzafar Siddiqi of HPD. “Often, women in abusive relationships don’t trust the police. So Daya is the bridge between HPD and the abused,” he added.

It was a sentiment reiterated by Rina Gavai, wife of the outgoing Consul General, S M Gavai. “It is a cry in silence that Daya can respond to and address effectively. So many women suffer quietly and feel that they cannot even talk about their pain,” she said. “It’s what makes events like this so important, so people in distress will know how to find solutions with some help.”

Meghna Goswani, Client Services Coordinator for Daya, was elated by the turnout. “We had a steady influx of people come by. Motorists were honking in response to the placerds asking them to support the struggle to end domestic violence,” said Goswami. “The area businesses were so generous and didn’t complain about the noise. This is the kind of support that helps define our cause,” she added.

Daya’s range of services includes family violence, sexual assault, child abuse, incest, marital rape, immigrants rights, mental health problems, and bi-cultural conflict. In 2007, Daya administered to 197 clients, 159 of whom were new. Daya’s professional staff is available to take calls Monday through Friday, from 9.00am to 5.00 pm. On evenings and weekends trainied staff will return calls promptly. Daya;s helpline is (713) 981 7645.

For more information visit www.dayahouston.com