News and Events

Principles for Interpreters in Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Abuse and Human Trafficking Settings

Interpreters follow a unique set of ethical obligations and principles to become a conduit of communication. Their role helps remove communication barriers so that individuals with Limited English Proficient (LEP) are afforded full and equal protection under the law. Victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, abuse, and human trafficking with LEP rely on accurate and impartial interpreting to preserve their story. This requires that interpreters be highly skilled and trained professionals and understand how ethical principles are adapted for working with victims and survivors. While maintaining the highest standards of ethical compliance, interpreters should also be aware that these nuances in ethics and principles affect how the victim will tell his or her story.

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API-GBV, Interpretation Technical Assistance & Resource Center

Published November 2024

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OTHER LANGUAGE ACCESS TIPSHEETS:

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FY23 Impact Report: Honing Our Direction and Lighting the Path for Our Communities

FY23 Impact Report: Honing Our Direction and Lighting the Path for Our Communities

The Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence (API-GBV) is a culturally specific national resource center on domestic violence, sexual violence, trafficking, and other forms of gender-based violence in Asian/Asian-American , Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) communities.  Our mission is to disrupt gender-based violence, which causes physical, sexual, emotional, spiritual and economic harm within AA and NHPI communities throughout the U.S. and its territories.  We envision a world free of gender-based violence for communities with equal opportunities for all to thrive.

API-GBV has been a culturally specific national resource center in this field for the AAPI community since 2000 and we are proud to unveil our third Impact Report! This Impact Report highlights the incredible work, in FY23, of our team and community as we uplift AA and NHPI survivors and community based organizations. Our work is powerful and  our communities continue to grow stronger together as we build collective power to end gender-based violence.

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Impact Report FY23: Honing Our Direction and Lighting the Path for Our Communities

Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence

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Supporting the Participation of AA and NHPI Survivors of Gender-Based Violence to Vote

Supporting the Participation of AA and NHPI Survivors of Gender-Based Violence to Vote

Every election, voters are provided with an opportunity to communicate what is most important to them and to elect leaders who they believe will best represent them and their values. As survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of gender-based violence in Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) communities have needs and concerns that are unique to their communities and experiences, it is crucial that they have every opportunity to exercise their right to vote. However, survivors of gender-based violence in AA and NHPI communities often face numerous barriers to meaningfully participating in elections, including safety and privacy concerns, laws that disenfranchise many voters, language barriers, and for survivors who are homeless or living in a shelter, lack of a home address. This advisory will explain the importance of voter participation among survivors in AA and NHPI communities and ways to support voter safety among survivors.

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API-GBV’s Policy Team

September 2024

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API-GBV Celebrates the 40th Anniversary of the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act

API-GBV Celebrates the 40th Anniversary of the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act

October 9, 2024

Oakland, CA — Today the Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence (API-GBV) celebrates 40 years since the passage of the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA). Administered by the Office of Family Violence Prevention and Services (OFVPS), FVPSA stands as a critical source of support for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and their families. We are grateful for the support FVPSA has provided to our work, Asian/Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) survivors and their communities, and the movement to end gender-based violence.

FVPSA funding has provided support and services to approximately 1.3 million survivors in areas of need that have been identified by survivors. According to API-GBV’s “2023 Community Based Organizations Needs Assessment”, economic stability and housing were the top two concerns for AA and NHPI survivors that intersect with gender-based violence, with mental health and health care access also being in the top ten concerns. Since its start in 1984, FVPSA funding has been a vital resource, providing lifesaving, flexible funding for survivors that can be used for housing, healthcare, child support, and more, to match the needs identified by survivors.

“API-GBV was founded in 2000 due to FVPSA funding and has been grateful to OFVPS for their support and guidance. Through this funding, we have been able to work deeply with AA and NHPI organizations to uplift the needs identified by their communities. This work could not be done without the integral support provided by OFVPS,” said Monica Khant, CEO for API-GBV.

In addition to funding resources for survivors, FVPSA also supports programs, training, and services such as GBV community advocacy, education, and prevention. FVPSA funds over 1,500 domestic violence shelters and programs, including those that provide culturally specific services to AA and NHPI survivors, and a network of state coalitions and national resource centers. Through FVPSA funding, organizations are able to increase their capacities, provide survivor-centered collaborative trainings, technical assistance, resources and other services.

As we turn to the future of our movement, we look forward to further commitment from OFVPS to culturally specific services. By expanding support and increasing resources to culturally specific GBV organizations and resource centers, FVPSA will be able to more effectively reach marginalized communities impacted by gender-based violence. API-GBV is grateful for the support OFVPS and FVPSA have provided to AA and NHPI survivors over the past 40 years and we are excited for FVPSA’s impact in the future as we collectively work to end gender-based violence.

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About Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence

The Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence (API-GBV) is a culturally specific national resource center on domestic violence, sexual violence, trafficking, and other forms of gender-based violence in Asian/Asian-American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) communities. API-GBV envisions a world free of gender-based violence for communities with equal opportunities for all to thrive. For more information about API-GBV, visit www.api-gbv.org.

AANHPI Elder Safety and Wellness Case Studies

AANHPI Elder Safety and Wellness Case Studies

In partnership with the National Health Resource Center on DV, Futures Without Violence, API-GBV released this set of five case scenarios. Each case scenario includes reflection questions and discussion points on how to support an elder and their family, and they illustrate what domestic violence and other forms of abuse and neglect might look like for AANHPI elders. Case scenarios surface dynamics such as historical trauma, cycles of violence, cognitive decline, complex relationships with adult children, and AAPI-hate to show the nuances of elder abuse in AANHPI communities. This resource can be used by trainers, educators, and DV/SA advocates and other service providers working with this population.

Related Resources

Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence, with contribution from the National Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence, Futures Without Violence

October 2024

Special thanks to the AANHPI Elder Safety and Wellness Think Tank!

 

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From Silence to Empowerment: Safe Voting for AANHPI Survivors

From Silence to Empowerment: Safe Voting for AANHPI Survivors

September 30, 2024

Survivors of gender-based violence within Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities can encounter significant barriers to participating in elections. Risks to safety, privacy concerns, voter laws, language barriers, and the lack of a permanent home address can all contribute to their disenfranchisement. However, their voices are crucial, and voter participation is an essential step toward survivor autonomy and empowerment. AA and NHPI organizations can play an important role in supporting survivors to ensure their voices are heard in shaping the policies that affect them.

Join API GBV’s Policy Team for an informative webinar on how advocates and organizations can help AANHPI survivors safely engage in the electoral process.

This webinar explored:
-The unique challenges survivors face in election participation
-Strategies for supporting voter safety and privacy
-Essential do’s and don’ts for organizations engaging with election candidates and campaigns

Related Resources

From Silence to Empowerment: Safe Voting for AANHPI Survivors

Facilitated by API-GBV’s Policy Team

September 30, 2024

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Past Events

From Silence to Empowerment: Safe Voting for AANHPI Survivors

From Silence to Empowerment: Safe Voting for AANHPI Survivors

September 30, 2024

Survivors of gender-based violence within Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities can encounter significant barriers to participating in elections. Risks to safety, privacy concerns, voter laws, language barriers, and the lack of a permanent home address can all contribute to their disenfranchisement. However, their voices are crucial, and voter participation is an essential step toward survivor autonomy and empowerment. AA and NHPI organizations can play an important role in supporting survivors to ensure their voices are heard in shaping the policies that affect them.

Join API GBV’s Policy Team for an informative webinar on how advocates and organizations can help AANHPI survivors safely engage in the electoral process.

This webinar explored:
-The unique challenges survivors face in election participation
-Strategies for supporting voter safety and privacy
-Essential do’s and don’ts for organizations engaging with election candidates and campaigns

Related Resources

From Silence to Empowerment: Safe Voting for AANHPI Survivors

Facilitated by API-GBV’s Policy Team

September 30, 2024

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API-GBV Joins Our Communities to Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act

API-GBV Joins Our Communities to Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act

September 13th, 2024

Oakland, CA — Today, on the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence (API-GBV) joins our communities in celebrating the impact VAWA has had in supporting survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). VAWA’s ongoing efforts to provide coordinated community responses have provided lifelines to Asian/Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) and Middle Eastern and North African survivors across the United States and US territories.

According to our report, “Domestic Violence in Asian and Pacific Islander Homes”, 21-55% of AA and NHPI women report experiencing domestic or sexual violence during their lifetimes. AA and NHPI survivors also likely underreport domestic or sexual violence due to additional challenges to accessing safety, such as cultural stigma, language barriers, and immigration status.

Recognizing these barriers, VAWA’s Culturally Specific Services Program (CSSP) has provided funding for community-based programs to sustain meaningful, culturally relevant services for AA and NHPI survivors, as well as those from other marginalized identities. VAWA’s immigration provisions have helped thousands of immigrant survivors of GBV escape and overcome abuse, and VAWA’s housing provisions have created additional opportunities and resources for AA and NHPI survivors facing homelessness.

VAWA also supports training and technical assistance for culturally-specific organizations and other entities engaged in providing a coordinated community response for survivors, including AA and NHPI survivors whose primary language isn’t English.

Alongside these vital programs, the Violence Against Women Act has played a critical role in providing services for survivors from AA and NHPI communities, identifying and filling gaps in support, and strengthening our communities’ ability to reach out to those facing the highest barriers to safety. With the support provided by VAWA, AA and NHPI-serving advocates and community based organizations have been able to further provide for their communities and the unique needs of AA and NHPI and immigrant survivors. API-GBV commends VAWA for supporting survivors and helping us transform into a world free of gender-based violence.

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About Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence

The Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence (API-GBV) is a culturally specific national resource center on domestic violence, sexual violence, trafficking, and other forms of gender-based violence in Asian/Asian-American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) communities. API-GBV envisions a world free of gender-based violence for communities with equal opportunities for all to thrive. For more information about API-GBV, visit www.api-gbv.org.

API-GBV’s Statement on U.S. vs. Rahimi

Oakland, CA— “The Asian Pacific Institute on Gender Based Violence (API-GBV) is grateful for the U.S. Supreme Court decision today in U.S. vs. Rahimi, which upholds the law prohibiting individuals who are restrained by a domestic violence protective order from possessing firearms. Survivors of gender-based violence often have the most to fear and face the biggest challenges to accessing safety when faced with a firearm by someone who has a documented history of causing harm. In Asian/Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities, more than half the cases that involve homicide with a firearm stem from domestic violence and therefore this ruling rightfully affirms firearm regulation as a priority.” states Monica Khant, CEO of API-GBV.

Firearms in the hands of abusers escalate the lethality of domestic violence, endangering not only immediate victims but entire families and communities. Through this 8-1 majority ruling, the Court affirms the importance of safety and protection for all individuals, particularly those from vulnerable communities. The Court recognized what survivor advocates fully know about the important role that domestic violence protective orders can play as part of a larger safety plan for survivors of domestic violence.    

For those experiencing domestic violence in AAPI communities, victim advocacy organizations provide critical support in guiding survivors through safety planning and obtaining protective orders if needed. At API-GBV, we remain committed to culturally-competent organizations and linguistically-accessible services that meet the unique needs of AAPI survivors within our communities. Our efforts are bolstered by the understanding that culturally-relevant support is essential in addressing the root causes of violence and fostering survivor and community healing.

While today’s ruling represents a significant victory, it also underscores ongoing challenges in safeguarding survivors and preventing gender-based violence. We continue to advocate tirelessly for policies that prioritize survivor safety and justice, rejecting any rollback of protections.

Resources:

To contact us, please visit api-gbv.org or email info@api-gbv.org.

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About Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence

The Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence (API-GBV) is a culturally specific national resource center on domestic violence, sexual violence, trafficking, and other forms of gender-based violence in Asian/Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. API-GBV envisions a world free of gender-based violence for communities with equal opportunities for all to thrive. For more information about API-GBV, visit www.api-gbv.org. 

Have You Eaten Yet? A Dialogue on the Connection Between Culture, Food, and Care in AAPI Communities

Have You Eaten Yet? A Dialogue on the Connection Between Culture, Food, and Care in AAPI Communities

May 30, 2024, 7am HST/10am PST/12pm CST/1pm EST

In Asian/Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities, food is more than just fuel. It gathers people, bridges generations, empowers community, and teaches culture. Incorporating food that is culturally significant into programming can also help communities and people impacted by violence heal from trauma. However, many AAPI people are left without access to ingredients and dishes that hold meaning for them. How can we, as agents in the movement to end violence, harness the incredible power of food to drive the change we are creating in our communities?

As we closed out APAHM, we gathered for this dialogue with three movement leaders from Banteay Srei, UTOPIA Washington, and Food4Good, who are incorporating food in innovate ways: cooking classes that bridge intergenerational communities, a farming program that sustains Indigenous traditions, and a catering business that builds economic security for refugees. We also heard from participants about the inspiring ways they are honoring AAPI communities and survivors through celebration of food. 

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Facilitated by API-GBV

May 30, 2024

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AANHPI Elder Safety & Wellness: Strengths, Challenges, & Opportunities

AANHPI Elder Safety & Wellness: Strengths, Challenges, & Opportunities

This resource aims to illuminate some of the barriers faced by AANHPI elders, as well as recommendations for intervention and prevention. These learnings and recommendations were collectively developed by a multi-disciplinary think tank on elder safety and wellness convened by the Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence and National Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence, Futures Without Violence. Think tank members drew from their experience working with AANHPI elders to develop the findings and recommendations presented. They are intended for any professional working with AANHPI elders, including Gender Based Violence (GBV) advocates, healthcare professionals, and Adult Protective Services, among others.

Related Resources

Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence, with contribution from the National Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence, Futures Without Violence

Special thanks to the AANHPI Elder Safety and Wellness Think Tank!

 

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Critical Intersections of FGM/C: The Value of Intersectionality in Cross-Collaboration

Critical Intersections of FGM/C: The Value of Intersectionality in Cross-Collaboration

April 23, 2024, 8am HST/11am PST/1pm CST/2pm EST

On April 23rd, API-GBV partnered with Sahiyo U.S. for Critical Intersections of FGM/C: The Value of Intersectionailty in Cross-Collaboration, a presentation of Sahiyo’s Mixed Methods Report as part of the survivor and activist-led Critical Intersections Research Project. This project examines the issue of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) through an intersectional lens, with the goal of understanding both challenges that FGM/C survivors and activists face, as well as opportunities for cross-sector collaboration with other social justice movements. The report includes qualitative and quantitative data from over 100 individuals and organizations working within and beyond the FGM/C sphere. In hopes of facilitating meaningful discussion around collaboration and intersectional programming, this presentation focused heavily on challenges and opportunities to collaborative projects, with plenty of time for feedback and weigh in from the audience; turning data into action is our goal. Furthermore, as Sahiyo continues its exploration on this topic, we hope to expand our understanding with the insights of activists, frontline professionals, and more from across the board. 

Additional Sahiyo and FGM/C Resources:

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Facilitated by API-GBV and Sahiyo

April 2024

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