WISH LIST $100: interpretation for survivors to participate in 2 sessions of a multingual survivors' group; $500: training for 2 bilingual/bicultural community members to serve as advocates for survivors of domestic violence; $1000: one week of court accompaniments so that survivors will not be alone

While all victims of domestic violence face special challenges of their own, Asian and Pacific Islanders face special obstacles of their own. Members of the fastest-growing minority in the DC area, many are immigrants who don’t speak enough English to understand the options open to them. Many believe that discussing private matters in public brings shame to their families, or that going to the police may bring deportation. A/PI DVRP relies on bilingual advocates who tell victims (both female and male) the truth about American laws, accompany them to court, assist them in applying for public benefits, refer them to local shelters, and direct them to legal and social services. DVRP works to ensure that service providers will offer culturally sensitive services—everything from stocking shelters with familiar foods and utensils to using what they learn in workshops on multicultural perspectives—and that community members will learn about domestic violence and the importance of seeking help: last year alone over 2,000 people attended lectures on community beliefs about the problem. For its work on behalf of the A/PI community, DVRP has been recognized by the APA Bar Association Educational Fund and the APA Spring Benefit Committee. Won’t you step forward, too?

Karen Ho, Board President PO Box 14268 Washington, DC 20044 202-464-4477 www.dvrp.org