Page 30 - The Indian EYE 082225

The Indian Eye
NORTH AMERICAN Newsline AUGUST 22, 2025 30

FROM SILENCE TO STRENGTH:

IAPAC to Host a Community Conversation on

Domestic Violence and Legal Rights

OUR BUREAU

Houston, TX

he Indian American Public
Affairs Council (IAPAC), in
Tpartnership with the Raindrop
Foundation and the Harris County
District Attorney’s Office, has invited
the Houston community to an im-
portant and inspiring evening—From
Silence to Strength: A Community
Conversation on Domestic Violence
and Legal Rights—on Friday, August
29, 2025.
This event offers more than just
conversation—it is a call to aware-
ness, solidarity, and action. Attend-
ees will hear firsthand stories of resil-
ience, gain critical knowledge about
legal rights, and learn how to navi-
gate the justice system. Survivors, ad-
vocates, and legal experts will come
together in one room to break the si-
lence surrounding abuse and provide
clear pathways to safety and justice.
WE@IAPAC was conceived as
the women empowerment arm of
IAPAC, with a mission to empower ness into action.” Court; and Jeremy DuCote, Family phasizes the scope of the challenge
women through education and civic The program will begin with Law Attorney. The legal panel will and the hope for change:
engagement. Over the years, WE@ powerful stories of survivors and be moderated by Mary McFaden, “One out of every three women
IAPAC has hosted impactful annual resilience shared by representa- Bureau Chief of Domestic Violence might be a survivor of domestic vi-
events focused on women’s educa- tives from organizations support- at the Harris County District Attor- olence or intimate partner violence.
tion, health rights, safety, and rights. ing victims of domestic abuse. This ney’s Office. Domestic violence is a pattern of be-
Past topics have included meetings session will be moderated by Judge Standing Together for Survivors haviors—one partner exerting power
with women leaders and elected Stuti Patel, Fort Bend County Houston is home to remarkable or- and control over another. Awareness
officials, in-depth conversations on Judge and member of Daya’s advi- ganizations dedicated to supporting and conversation are crucial steps to-
women’s health rights, and sessions sory board. victims of domestic abuse and em- ward ending this cycle.”
addressing human trafficking. This Following this, a legal panel will powering survivors. These groups Judge Stuti Patel, Fort Bend
year’s program continues that tra- explore survivors’ rights and navi- provide crucial resources, advocacy, County Judge and advisory board
dition—placing the spotlight on do- gating the justice system. The panel and healing services that transform member of Daya, adds:
mestic violence awareness, survivor will include Sean Teare, District At- lives. “When survivors know their
support, and legal empowerment. torney, Harris County; Angela Har- Sonia Corrales, Interim CEO of rights and resources, they are bet-
Dr. Roopa Gir, President of rington, Judge, Harris County Family Houston Area Women’s Center, em- ter able to take back their lives. Our
IAPAC, highlights the urgency of community can and must stand with
this gathering: “Domestic violence EVENT DETAILS them.”
is a deeply personal and communi- An Evening for the Mind and Heart
ty-wide challenge that thrives in si- FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2025 In addition to the panel discussions,
lence and stigma. This event, From Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM resource tables from partner orga-
Silence to Strength, is about break- Location: Raindrop Turkish House, nizations will offer information and
ing that silence and equipping sur- 9301 W Bellfort Ave, Houston, TX 77031 support services.
vivors and allies with the knowledge Dinner: Multi-cuisine, complimentary To foster a warm and inclusive
of their legal rights and available re- atmosphere, guests will also enjoy
sources. It’s a vital step toward creat- Whether you are a survivor, an ally, a student, or simply a concerned a multi-cuisine dinner featuring In-
ing a safer, more informed commu- community member, your presence matters. By attending, you are not dian, Chinese, and Mediterranean
only deepening your own understanding but also standing in solidarity
nity where survivors feel empowered with those whose voices need to be heard. For more information, email: dishes—reflecting Houston’s diversi-
to seek justice and rebuild their lives. [email protected]. ty and the spirit of unity that drives
Together, we can transform aware- this gathering.

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