WHEREAS, in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness month in October, the Hennepin County Fourth Judicial District Family Violence Coordinating Council wishes to host a Resource Fair on Wednesday, October 3, 2018, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the skyway level of the Government Center; and
WHEREAS, the theme of the Resource Fair will be “Domestic Violence and Immigration” and will feature various organizations in Hennepin County that offer assistance and services to individuals impacted by domestic violence; and
WHEREAS, the Resource Fair is designed to raise awareness about the impact of domestic violence; provide information regarding organizations and services available to the community; and offer professionals the opportunity to meet others who work with victims impacted by domestic violence; and
WHEREAS, domestic violence is a serious concern in the state of Minnesota; in 2017, 24 individuals were killed due to circumstances involving domestic violence, including 19 women who were killed by intimate partners and at least 3 immigrants; and
WHEREAS, the immigrant population in Minnesota is growing at a faster rate than the national average, with 79% of the 457,000 immigrants in Minnesota living in the Twin Cities; the population includes individuals from all over the world, with the largest groups from Mexico, India, Laos, and Somalia; and
WHEREAS, immigrants who are victims of domestic violence may experience additional difficulties, as perpetrators may threaten to isolate victims already facing new and unfamiliar environments and reduce a victim’s options by threatening to report the victim to immigration officials; in addition, victims of domestic violence in immigrant communities may be unfamiliar with their legal rights, face language barriers when seeking help, and experience service providers who lack the necessary cultural competency to adequately address victims’ needs; and
WHEREAS, the Resource Fair will also feature several immigration groups that will provide information regarding the difficulties victims of domestic violence might face in immigrant communities and discuss the resources and options available to immigrants experiencing domestic violence; and
WHEREAS, following the Resource Fair, a presentation will take place in Room A0723 of the Government Center; the presentation will be by an individual from Standpoint, an organization that provides support to domestic violence victims, and the presentation will cover topics in domestic violence and immigration.