News and Events

Connected and concerned: Online sexual harassment of teenagers of Asian descent on dating platforms

Connected and concerned: Online sexual harassment of teenagers of Asian descent on dating platforms

February 29, 8am HST/11am PST/1pm CST/2pm EST

Generative AI, with its ability to create morphed photos and deepfakes, is negatively impacting teenagers, especially female teenagers of Asian descent, online and influencing their identity in digital spaces.

This workshop, with its focus on cyber safety tools and methods for advocates, parents, and educators, sought to empower Asian female teenagers against sexual harassment on social media and dating platforms. This webinar was facilitated by Dr. Pallavi Guha, Towson University and Dr. Paromita Pain, University of Nevada, Reno and hosted by API-GBV.

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Facilitated by Dr. Pallavi Guha, Towson University and Dr. Paromita Pain, University of Nevada, Reno; hosted by API-GBV.

February 2024

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Safeguard Asylum for Survivors – Tell Your Senator to Reject the Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations

February 5, 2024

On Sunday night, Senate negotiators released the text of the “Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024,” legislation intended to address defense funding and border security concerns.  Unfortunately, this funding bill includes numerous immigration policy provisions that harm survivors fleeing gender-based violence and puts many others at increased risk of harm. 

As individuals seeking protection arrive at the US Southern border and other ports of entry, we know that survivors from Asia, the Pacific, and the Middle East fleeing gender-based violence and harm are included among them. This bill’s unprecedented investment in detention and removal would not only deter these survivors from seeking asylum or reporting their experiences, but runs the risk of retraumatizing survivors by pushing them back into dangerous and unsafe conditions.

The bill also raises the credible fear screening standard for asylum, eliminates certain review processes, and requires rapid review of asylum cases without resources for meaningful examination. These provisions would virtually ensure that those who do try to seek asylum, especially survivors who’ve been traumatized, or those unfamiliar with US asylum law,  would face nearly insurmountable odds at obtaining protection.

While the bill includes some positive elements that support survivors and protect against abuse, such as a pathway to legal status for Afghans who have fled their country, increases in family and employment visas, faster processing for employment authorization for certain individuals, and provisions protecting children of high-skill temporary workers from aging out of the opportunity to become lawful permanent residents, many of its provisions would increase the risk of trauma and endangerment for survivors.

API-GBV Director of Policy stated, “Asylum provides critical protection for survivors fleeing gender-based violence. Unfortunately, this legislation increases the barriers for survivors seeking that protection and will likely lead to increased trauma and victimization for those arriving in the United States. Although we welcome funding for resettlement, protections for Afghan arrivals, and increases in family and employment visas, this bill risks exacerbating the already difficult circumstances faced by vulnerable individuals seeking safety and refuge.  As policymakers deliberate on immigration reform, we urge them to reject this bill and prioritize compassionate and comprehensive policies that recognize the needs of survivors of gender-based violence, including those from Asia, the Pacific, and the Middle East seeking safety.” 

For additional information, please contact API-GBV’s Director of Policy, Grace Huang, at ghuang[at]api-gbv.org or (206)-420-7369.

TAKE ACTION + RESOURCES:

Email your Senator to demand they reject these efforts here. 

To call your Member of Congress, find their contact information here

Learn more about what is in the bill:

Elevate this issue on social media:

Attend ACLU’s Press Conference and Lobby Day  at 11am ET tomorrow, Tuesday, February 6 at Methodist Building (100 Maryland Ave NE, Washington, DC)

API-GBV’S CALL FOR A CEASEFIRE AND AN END TO THE LOSS OF INNOCENT LIVES

November 22, 2023

Oakland, CA — The Asian Pacific Institute on Gender Based Violence (API-GBV) is horrified by the violence in the Israel-Hamas war. We are struggling to process our grief while continuing to educate ourselves and remain engaged. While we have heard about the hostage deal and temporary pause in violence, we know that this is not a long-term solution. As antisemitism, Islamophobia, xenophobic hate, and division in the U.S. rise and continue to impact our communities, we extend our support and pleas to work in solidarity to permanently end the violence.

Our hearts are with all those who are suffering as civilian lives continue to be victimized, displaced, and lost. As seen through past wars, conflicts, and oppressions, gender-based violence is used as a weapon to further devastate communities, disproportionately impacting women, children, elders, and those with disabilities. Conflict has never been gender neutral, and neither will its enduring consequences.

API-GBV remains in solidarity with all survivors of gender-based violence and prioritizes safety for the people in Palestine and Israel. We are calling for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the loss of innocent lives in this humanitarian crisis. 

We understand how difficult it is to be scared for loved ones and offer our strong support to advocates and direct services organizations, who are shouldering the burden of the impact of this conflict, while remaining resilient in the face of hate. Furthermore, we grieve with those in our communities who have lost loved ones in the conflict or who remain in danger.

Below is a list of resources to provide additional support for those in need: 

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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.

Impact Report FY22: Growing Stronger Together to Build Collective Power

Impact Report FY22: Growing Stronger Together to Build Collective Power

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.  Our mission is to disrupt gender-based violence, which causes physical, sexual, emotional, spiritual and economic harm within AAPI 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 resource center in this field for the AAPI community since 2000 and we are proud to unveil our second Impact Report! This Impact Report highlights the incredible work, in FY22, of our team and community as we uplift AAPI 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.

Related Resources

Impact Report FY22: Growing Stronger Together to Build Collective Power

Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence

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Culture, Trauma, and Healing: A Conversation with Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation

Culture, Trauma, and Healing: A Conversation with Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation

November 7, 9am HST/12pm PST/2pm CST/3pm EST

In our work, we recognize that cultural-responsiveness and trauma-informedness are not end goals, but a continuous process of learning and adapting our advocacy to best meet the layered and changing needs of survivors. We also know that these practices don’t end at advocate-client interactions, but must encompass all aspects of an organization, from to staff and Board wellness to physical space.  

This conversation with Mona Kafeel from Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation looked at creating a model for strengths-based advocacy grounded on and understanding of individual, vicarious, generational, and collective trauma. Mona discussed how the Trauma-Informed Care Assessment Tool, the Survivor Well-Being Questionnaire, and other practical tools developed by TMWF can be used to assess your organization for gaps in trauma-informedness and to identify better organizational policies.

We strongly suggested that participants review the report, From the Roots of Trauma to the Flowering of Trauma-Informed Care, and especially the evaluation tools and implementation plan contained within the appendix, prior to joining the webinar.

Related Resources

Hosted by API-GBV featuring Mona Kafeel from Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation

November 2023

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Past Events

Culture, Trauma, and Healing: A Conversation with Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation

Culture, Trauma, and Healing: A Conversation with Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation

November 7, 9am HST/12pm PST/2pm CST/3pm EST

In our work, we recognize that cultural-responsiveness and trauma-informedness are not end goals, but a continuous process of learning and adapting our advocacy to best meet the layered and changing needs of survivors. We also know that these practices don’t end at advocate-client interactions, but must encompass all aspects of an organization, from to staff and Board wellness to physical space.  

This conversation with Mona Kafeel from Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation looked at creating a model for strengths-based advocacy grounded on and understanding of individual, vicarious, generational, and collective trauma. Mona discussed how the Trauma-Informed Care Assessment Tool, the Survivor Well-Being Questionnaire, and other practical tools developed by TMWF can be used to assess your organization for gaps in trauma-informedness and to identify better organizational policies.

We strongly suggested that participants review the report, From the Roots of Trauma to the Flowering of Trauma-Informed Care, and especially the evaluation tools and implementation plan contained within the appendix, prior to joining the webinar.

Related Resources

Hosted by API-GBV featuring Mona Kafeel from Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation

November 2023

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Queer and Trans Asians and Pacific Islanders:Strengths, Resources, and Barriers for Preventing Domestic Violence-Related Homicides

Queer and Trans Asians and Pacific Islanders:
Strengths, Resources, and Barriers for Preventing Domestic Violence-Related Homicides

This report presents a groundbreaking qualitative research project focusing on the prevention of domestic violence-related homicides among queer and trans Asians and Pacific Islanders (QTAPI). It uncovers the complex web of risk factors, including isolation and systemic oppression, which heighten the vulnerability of QTAPI survivors. Despite these challenges, the report highlights community-driven solutions that emphasize cultural values and healing, ultimately offering hope for a more supportive and inclusive future.

Related Resources

Fatima Arain, MA, MSW and Susan Ghanbarpour, DrPh, MA

The original version of this report was created by the authors in October 2020, and it was subsequently updated in October 2023 by Dr. Swathi Reddy and Krista Grajo, both affiliated with API-GBV.

 

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2023 CBO Needs Assessment Report & Summary

2023 CBO Needs Assessment Report & Summary

This report explores and contextualizes the results from API-GBV’s 2023 needs assessment on AANHPI-serving GBV community organizations. The findings support a sustained need for culturally responsive programming and research; specialized training opportunities for volunteers and staff; technical assistance to strengthen organizational capacity; and policy advocacy to address the systemic, root causes of gender-based violence while promoting healthier families and relationships.

This summary provides key findings from API-GBV’s 2023 Needs Assessment as a snapshot of the full report, which will provide more in-depth analysis and discussion on the needs of AANHPI-serving GBV community organizations. Major findings from this summary include a look at which communities require additional support, concerns that intersect with GBV for AANHPI survivors, current challenges for staff and providers, and areas of cultural strengths and needs among AANHPI-serving GBV organizations.

Related Resources

API-GBV Research and Evaluation

Krista Grajo, MA; Shirley Luo; and Swathi Reddy, PhD, LMSW

Full Report, October 2023

Summary Report, September 2023

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Bridges: A Connect Call for Asians, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders Addressing Gender-Based Violence

Bridges: A Connect Call for Asians, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders Addressing Gender-Based Violence

Next call: December 19, 2023 (9am HST / 12pm PST / 2pm CST / 3pm EST)

These bi-monthly community connect calls are intended to be a space for AANHPI advocates, community members, and allies to connect, dialogue, share successes, problem solve, and network. API-GBV staff will be available to moderate and encourage discussion, but this is a space for YOU, as the experts of this work, to share your experiences and to learn from allies across the country.

December 2023 Theme: Advocate Safety

For our last Bridges Connect Call of the year, we invite you to join the discussion on advocate safety! In this work, we are dedicated to the safety of survivors and their families, but we cannot forget that equally important is the safety and well-being of those who do this work. From traveling to unfamiliar locations to work to facing harassment from within their own communities online or in person, advocates often feel the brunt of the hostility that fuels gendered and racialized violence. Many community-based organizations, furthermore, are under-resourced as they contend with keeping staff safe and supported.

What resources do organizations need to ensure staff safety? What are some policies or practices agencies can implement? What personal safety or self-care/community-care tips do you practice? Join this conversation on advocate safety in physical and virtual spaces if you have something to share, or want to hear from others!


Other details:

Meetings will be hosted on Zoom, and you are encouraged to join with video and voice to the extent that you are comfortable. These calls will not be recorded, but we may share takeaways, without identifying information, with our staff or community.  Please get in contact with us, or indicate in your RSVP, if you require  interpretation or accessibility features.

If you cannot make December’s call, but would like to be on the list for future dates, please email sluo@api-gbv.org.

Click here to RSVP!

API-GBV’s Statement on the Supreme Court Decision in 303 Creative v. Elenis

June 30, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kaylee Wong, kwong@api-gbv.org

API-GBV is alarmed by the Supreme Court’s decision today in 303 Creative v. Elenis, which held that Colorado’s anti-discrimination law violates the First Amendment by forcing a private website designer to create designs with which the designer disagrees. This ruling creates a dangerous exception to the state public accommodation laws, even if it affects members of a protected class.

In her dissent, Justice Sotomayor (joined by Justices Kagan and Jackson) stated that, “[t]oday, the Court, for the first time in its history, grants a business open to the public a constitutional right to refuse to serve members of a protected class.”

“This most recent decision, on top of all the decisions that have been handed down by the Supreme Court this week, support the continued discrimination against the most vulnerable and marginalized in our communities. At API-GBV we steadfastly state our support for LGBTQ+ community and fight alongside our partners to unequivocally uphold the freedoms of a population that has continuously been advocating for their own equality,” Monica Khant, Executive Director of API-GBV 

This decision will further erode the rights of LGBTQ+ community members, by allowing private entities to discriminate by ignoring public accommodations laws, preventing equal access to services and based on religious and/or moral biases. For LGBTQ+ survivors, the decision narrows public accommodation options available to them, leaving them more vulnerable to gender-based violence.  

API-GBV released a Fact Sheet demonstrating the barriers that AAPI LGBTQ+ individuals face in obtaining services and public accommodations. Its findings capture the range of experiences, track current trends and prevalence rates regarding gender-based violence, and bring attention to areas of need for AAPI LGBTQ+ survivors and communities in the U.S. Read the fact sheet here: https://www.api-gbv.org/resources/aapi-lgbtq-experiences-of-gbv/

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About Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence

The Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence (API-GBV) is a 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.

AAPI LGBTQ+ Experiences of GBV

AAPI LGBTQ+ Experiences of GBV

This factsheet summarizes the layered needs and experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and more (LGBTQ+) Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) survivors and communities in the U.S., based on the current literature available. Although limited research has been conducted on this topic, we present findings that capture the range of experiences, track current trends and prevalence rates regarding gender-based violence (GBV), and bring to attention to areas of need.

AAPI LGBTQ+ survivors might identify in ways beyond those encompassed by the LGBTQ+ umbrella identities. We recognize that not all communities will identify with the LGBTQ+ umbrella, or with the modern connotation of some LGBTQ+ identities. For the purposes of this factsheet, we will use LGBTQ+ to include non-heterosexual and non-binary identities.

Related Resources

Krista Grajo, MA, and Swathi Reddy, PhD, LMSW

Updated February 2024

Published June 2023

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