Recorded presentation

Kären M. Landenburger, RN, PhD, Nursing Porgram, box 358421, University of Washington, Tacoma, 1900 Commerce Street, Tacoma, WA 98402-3100, 253-692-4474, karenl@u.washington.edu and Judy Fortier, BA, Human Rights Department, City of Tacoma, 747 Market Street, Room 836, Tacoma, WA 98402.

Little is known about domestic violence in Asian American Pacific Island communities. This lack of knowledge has hampered the ability to respond effectively to the Asian American Pacific Island communities or to develop resources and programs specific to the needs of these communities. The Asian American Pacific Island Domestic Violence Advisory Group was developed as a volunteer group to develop an ongoing response to domestic violence. Representatives of the Cambodian, Filipino, Korean, Samoan, and Vietnamese communities, who have been associated with services for victims of domestic violence, have been involved in the group since its inception, eight years ago. In addition to these individuals, representatives from the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department Office of Community Assessment, the City of Tacoma Department of Human Rights, and the University of Washington, Tacoma Nursing Program have been primary players in the project. The initial stages of the project consisted of building a collaborative relationship among all the members of the advisory group. Sustainability of the group has been developed through two mechanisms: 1) interventions interconnected and built in partnership with community needs and 2) continual recruitment of new members. The issue of domestic violence has given individuals from different community groups the incentive to work together and to gain a better understanding of cultural similarities and differences. The developing relationships have led to a number of collaborative projects that have assisted the Asian American communities. An assessment of domestic violence, through partnerships with local universities, is ongoing. Groups which assist women in dealing with issues in US society have also served as a format to discuss issues of family life including domestic violence. A collaborative presentation was given to regional criminal justice representatives to assist them in understanding domestic violence in Asian American communities. The advisory group has brought together different ethnic groups who now share expertise and work in collaborative relationships. The advisory group serves as a support mechanism and a place for discussion on issues related to domestic violence. The advisory group is a mechanism for capacity building and for the sustainability of efforts focusing on domestic violence.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to
• Articulate a process of capacity building through collaborative community relationships
• Identify two essential components that foster sustainability

Keywords: Community Building, Partnerships

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation