One of the positive results of on-going campaigns against family violence is the increasing awareness among the Indian community of the menace and the need to address it through coordinated efforts.
Individuals and community organisations are also realising the need to discuss the concerned issues openly, overcoming their erstwhile anathema.
An awareness programme held at the Papatoetoe Town Hall on November 17 witnessed a cross-section of the audience, among who were perhaps perpetrators and victims of family violence.
Growing problem
Organised by Jaagriti Women’s Support Group of ‘Roopa Aur Aap Charitable Trust,’ the programme helped men and women to realise the need to curb the growing problem in New Zealand, including Indian homes.
Counsellor Jessica Singh spoke on the ways and means of avoiding violence in families, while Rajesh Krishnamurthy outlined the factors that help people to secure jobs.
Jeet Suchdev (Bhartiya Samaj), Roopa Suchdev, Diksha Vohra (Roopa Aur Aap Trust), Nimi Bedi (Auckland City Council) and Raj Bedi (Auckland Sikh Society) were other speakers.
Among the highlights of the programme was a play staged by the members and volunteers of Chinmaya Mission and a dance item by Simran Chadha.
Jaagriti Women’s Support Group conducts workshops and meetings to provide support services including action against family violence, education, immigration and counselling.
-With reporting by Roopa Aur Aap Trust Public Relations Officer
