Domestic violence orgs. reach out

The state's two LGBT-focused domestic violence organizations, the Gay Men's Domestic Violence Project (GMDVP) and The Network / La Red, will do outreach and education at separate events in Boston next week.

On April 30 The Network, partnering with the Massachusetts Area South Asian Lambda Association (MASALA), Massachusetts Asians and Pacific Islanders (MAP) for Health, and a coalition of other organizations, will hold a training on domestic violence for the LGBT Asian and Pacific Islander (API) community. Sabrina Santiago, The Network's director of organizing and training, said MASALA reached out to The Network and asked them to lead a training to increase awareness about domestic violence in LGBT relationships within the API community.

Santiago said the workshop, which will be held at MAP for Health's offices, will examine the dynamic of abuse in LGBT relationships, the factors that prevent people from leaving, and the state of domestic violence services for LGBT people.

"We'll also talk about the myths and stereotypes about GLBT domestic violence and about how as a community we can support survivors," said Santiago.

On the following day, GMDVP will hold a volunteer orientation at the Family Justice Center in Allston. Iain Gill, GMDVP's education director, said the three-hour training will include an introduction to GMDVP and the various volunteer opportunities it offers as well as an overview on issues relating to domestic violence in same-sex male relationships.

Gill said the attendees at the training can learn about a wide range of volunteer opportunities with the organization, including working as a hotline volunteer, organizing fundraising events, and raising visibility for GMDVP during Pride events throughout New England. For those interested in doing hotline and client services work Gill said there will be a subsequent in-depth 40-hour training course.

Despite GMDVP's focus on gay, bi and trans men, Gill said the organization is seeking a diverse group of volunteers.

"Even though we are primarily serving GBT individuals, we have men and women, straight and gay, involved with our organization on a volunteer basis," said Gill.

The Network / La Red's domestic violence workshop for the LGBT Asian and Pacific Islander community is April 30 at 6:30 at MAP for Health, 59 Temple Place, Boston. The event is free, but space is limited. To RSVP e-mail Mrinalini at [email protected]. GMDVP's volunteer orientation will take place May 1 at the Family Justice Center, 989 Commonwealth Avenue, Allston. To sign up or get more information contact Iain Gill at 617.354.6056 or [email protected].