SAWERA Blog

We at SAWERA welcome our new Program manager, Pramila Paranjape to our fold!

Pramila comes to us with a vast network of contacts and years of experience in the field of Social work, which she says is “not only my profession but it is my passion and commitment too”.

Her social work experience began at age 16. She was a part of women’s writers group called, ‘StreeUvach’ (Women speak) and women’s discussion forum called, ’Maitrini’ (Female friends). These experiences inspired her to choose social work as her profession.

Pramila has a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Mumbai and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the reputed Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, India, where she was awarded the coveted Dorabji Tata Merit Scholarship.

She has served as a board member for the last 4 years on the Foster Care Review Board of Washington County of State of Oregon.

Pramila  served as a Development Officer at Women’s Economic Development Corporation of State of Maharashtra, India that promoted entrepreneurship and economic independence of women.

She also has extensive experience in working with slum women andchildren on the issues of health, education, eviction, etc.

Pramila is married with 2 high school children.

With Pramila on board, SAWERA is certain to see the dawn of new and wonderful possibilities!

Please join us for SAWERA fundraiser at Sweet Tomatoes.

Event :                                          SAWERA Fundraiser
Time :                                           15 February · 17:00 – 20:00
Location :                                  Beaverton Sweet Tomatoes
More info :                                1225 NW Waterhouse Ave, Beaverton Oregon

For those of you who are attending, please print a copy of the flier. Flier can be found at the link below:

http://sawera.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/FunRaiserFlyer.pdf

SEE YOU THERE!

Domestic Violence should not happen to anyone. But it does. Domestic Violence, also known as domestic abuse, spousal abuse, child abuse or intimate partner violence, is broadly defined as a pattern of abusive behavior by one or both partners in an intimate relationship. We all come across a friend, co-worker or an acquaintance who we think might have or are suffering from domestic violence but have no clue as to how to help them. Leaving the abuser isn’t always easy for the victim but with ample support, she might seek help sooner.

Here are some points to remember when offering to help a victim:

• Listen, listen and listen. Let her express all her fears and other feelings.

• Tell her it is not her fault.

• Tell her she does not deserve it. No one ever deserves to be hurt.

• Tell your friend she is not crazy. A person who has been abused often feels upset, depressed, confused, and scared. Let her know that these are normal feelings to have.

• Tell her good things about herself. Let her know you think she is smart, strong and brave. That her abuser is trying to bring her self esteem down.

• Encourage her to build a wide support system. Encourage her to talk to friends and family.

• They are often kept isolated, so try and help your friend break out of the isolation the abuser has put her in. Keep in contact with her on the phone or by going out with them.

• See if she needs medical attention. Your friend may not realize the extent of their injuries.

• Ask her about her children’s safety. Encourage her to talk about the effects this might have on them.

• Give her information about abuse. Give her phone numbers where she can talk in case she needs help.

• Be patient. Self-empowerment may take longer than you want. Go at the victims pace, not yours.

• Never try to pretend that the abuse isn’t happening or that it isn’t that bad. Let your friend know that it is serious offense and pretending won’t make it go away.

• Never blame or attack the abuser. Bad-mouthing the abuser may make the victim feel responsible for defending him.

• Never spread gossip.

• Never try to make her do anything she doesn’t want to. It won’t work unless it’s her decision.

• Never blame a victim for the abuse or for their decisions. Leaving an abusive relationship is hard and usually takes a long time.

• Don’t give up. Let her know you will always be there for her when she may need help or just needs someone to talk to.

• Encourage her to call 911 if she feels unsafe.

• Make a safety plan with her so that she has a picture of what she would do in case she was attacked.

• Most importantly, TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOURSELF.

Through this blog, we hope to help women who help victims of domestic violence in some capacity.

Resources:

1. SAWERA- www.sawera.org- 503-778-7386

2. IRCO-www.irco.org- 503-234-1541

3. Raphael House-www. raphaelhouse.com – (503) 222-6222

4. Domestic Violence Resource Center- www.dvrc.org- 503.640.5352