FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Henry Lee
Work: (281) 530-6888
Cell: (714) 244-7930
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

BPSOS Hosts "My Life is Mine" Conference to Raise Awareness of Domestic Violence

July 14, 2010 (HOUSTON) -- Boat People SOS (BPSOS) is hosting a conference on July 24, 2010 to address the issue of domestic violence in Houston and the surrounding metropolitan area. The occasion, entitled "My Life is Mine,” will be held at the University of Houston from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm.

The event is intended for community leaders, cultural organizations, women’s groups, and persons who will convey the knowledge they gain from the conference to their constituents and acquaintances. BPSOS believes the topic of domestic violence is often ignored and rarely discussed. Its staff hopes the conference will result in Houstonians speaking more candidly about abuse and its prevalence in our society.

An array of guest speakers, including the Houston Police Department and a representative from the District Attorney’s office, will educate attendees about the different types of domestic abuse and how one can flee from an abusive relationship. Regional support groups and shelters for domestic violence survivors will be on hand to offer information about the services they provide.

Studies conducted by America’s top research universities found higher rates of abuse in racial minority groups. Almost 70 percent of Houston residents are minorities, hence “My Life is Mine” will emphasize the effects domestic violence has on different ethnicities. One in three African American women will be abused by a husband or partner in the course of her lifetime and one in four women who die from domestic abuse are African American. When compared with Caucasian couples, African American and Hispanic couples reported at least twice the prevalence rate of domestic violence.

In Asian communities, victims of crimes face incredible barriers to legal justice. According to a study by the Asian Task Force, 39 percent of Vietnamese people surveyed know a woman who has been physically abused or injured by her partner.

“Cultural norms amongst minorities discourage women from getting help for personal problems outside of their families or circle of friends,” said Trish Nguyen, BPSOS-Houston’s senior branch manager. “Tradition imposes a code of silence; breaking that silence can bring shame upon the family and could potentially place blame on the victim, rather than the abuser.”

Conference admission is free and the event will be open to the public, but attendees are encouraged to register to ensure there will be sufficient seating and accommodations. Application forms are available for download at BPSOS’ website (www.bpsos.org). The final day to register is July 20, 2010.

To learn more about the "My Life is Mine" conference, please contact Henry Lee by telephone at (281) 530-6888 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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Founded in 1980, BPSOS is a national Vietnamese-American community organization operating at 18 locations across the United States and four affiliated locations in Taiwan and Southeast Asia.Our program areas include direct services, advocacy, media, community development and organizing, and research.

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