A community solution to domestic violence

Advocates spread awareness on the issue while community members held candles as a sign of respect. Photo by Carolyn Chen

About 50 people showed up to a candlelight vigil honoring the passing of a domestic violence victim in Jefferson Park last year. Photo by Carolyn Chen

Candles are lighted in memory of the victim at the event and also to raise awareness of domestic violence. Photo by Carolyn Chen

A staff member held a candle at the event. Photo by Carolyn Chen

Artworks of survivors are displayed at the event. Kan-Win supports survivors through art therapy, housing subsidies, childcare for survivors to work, transportation, and more. Photo by Carolyn Chen

	By Carolyn Chen, Reporter, The Real Chi

Community members, advocate groups and domestic violence survivors gathered in Jefferson Park's auditorium on October 29th to commemorate a woman shot by her ex-husband a year ago in this neighborhood.

When the victim tried to reach out to the police, the police did not show up because they could not understand each other’s language. 

This event was hosted by KAN-WIN, a non-profit providing services to women and children affected by gender-based violence. Previously, KAN-WIN went by the name of “Korean American Women In Need.” Now, they have opened their doors to a more diverse community.

According to KAN-WIN’s website, while domestic violence affects people of all backgrounds, immigrant women can be more vulnerable because of linguistic and immigration status barriers. Major obstacles included limited English proficiency, reliance on abusers as immigration sponsors, small immigrant community where everyone knows each other and it is difficult to escape.

Youngju Ji, Executive Director of KAN-WIN, also mentioned that there is a widespread misconception frequently held by Asian communities that domestic violence is a family issue.

“This issue should be worked on together as a community,” said Youngju Ji, Executive Director of KAN-WIN.

“It is important that we reach out to the survivors and listen to them,” said one of KAN-WIN’s counselors, who chooses not to be identified.

Listening can be one of the most important things to help domestic violence survivors because listening with respect and compassion makes time and space for the painful truth.

Mary Kim, a community member who came to support, hoped that such community event can be a starting point for people to be more aware of the issue and for the system to be improved. 

“We won’t change the system right away. But I am still trying to come up with what we can do,” said Kim.