CPAF Updates, April Newsletter
Included in this newsletter:
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Volunteer Spotlight
CPAF in the Community
CPAF Updates
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Denim Day
CPAF honored Denim Day - 25 years of impact, on April 24th. The campaign began when a rape conviction of an 18-year-old girl by her driving instructor was overturned by a judge in Italy on the basis that her jeans were too tight and the perpetrator could not have removed them without her help, and therefore it was not rape, but consensual sex. Since 1999, Peace Over Violence has run this inspiring opportunity to raise awareness and practice solidarity to support survivors and expose harmful behaviors and attitudes surrounding sexual violence. Together, we can take a stand against myths about sexual assault that perpetuate violence against women.
In-Language Thai Videos
CPAF feels grateful to continue collaborating with the local Thai community in building awareness about sexual assault. Together with partner organizations, we have created in-language Thai videos to educate the community about the cultural aspects in understanding sexual violence, how it impacts Thai communities, and the support and resources CPAF provides survivors. Watch on YouTube, Sexual Assault Educational Video, in partnership with ThaiNow, and CPAF's Services and Support to Gender-Based Violence Survivors, in partnership with SiamTown US.
Volunteer Spotlight
To celebrate National Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 21 - April 27, 2024) we would like to spotlight one of our dedicated CPAF volunteers, Panarat Lin.
Panarat discovered CPAF when she noticed a call for Thai Language Access volunteers on Facebook. She shares, ”When I came to the U.S. as a student, I was not able to understand English at all. That is why I understand what newcomers have to go through when they cannot speak the language.” With a bachelor's degree in social work from Thailand and as an MBA graduate, Panarat studied ESL for one year and decided to go back to school to receive her B.S. and M.S. degrees in accounting. While working for the state of New York, one of her co-workers, a court interpreter, encouraged her to apply to be an interpreter. Panarat says, ”So, I applied and took a test and passed with flying colors. I started my interpreter career in 2017. I'm also a freelance interpreter. I interpret in a conference and for personal matters.” In addition to her certification in court interpretation, Panarat uses her skills in crisis and government services, to support CPAF’s emergency shelter, hotline, and chatline programs. She shares, ”As an interpreter volunteering for CPAF, I have the opportunities to help Thai survivors find safe and stable housing. I help interpret cases about domestic violence and shelter assistance and support survivors fill out housing applications. I apply the standard rules of court interpreter to my volunteer work.” Panarat says that she understands survivors can feel overwhelmed and may not always be able to express themselves. She shares, ”When I interpret, I listen with respect, compassion and patience. I also respect the confidentiality and integrity of everyone involved. I assure that everything that was discussed will be kept private and confidential.” We are thankful for Panarat’s inspiring story and the passion she brings to CPAF, in addition to the many CPAF volunteers, who choose to give their time and energy to support survivors of violence. We cannot create healthy communities without you!
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with CPAF, visit our website here or email us at volunteer@cpaf.info.
CPAF in the Community
April was filled with opportunities to connect with the community, celebrating ethnic festivals and honoring diverse heritages, while sharing CPAF information and services. Here is a snippet of the different events CPAF was a part of this month! On April 12th and 13th CPAF staff and volunteers tabled at the Cambodian New Year Resource Fair in Long Beach and the East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Cultural Center Cherry Blossom Festival in West Covina. On April 19th, CPAF in coordination with the Royal Thai Consulate of Los Angeles hosted, ”Understanding and Prevention of Sexual Assault,” inviting community and business leaders from the Thai community to learn more about sexual assault and providing support to survivors in practical ways. On April 20th and 21st, CPAF staff shared interactive activities and engaged with attendees at the Orange County Japanese Fest at the Orange County Fair Grounds.
Next month, look for us at:
· NAPAFASA HealingHeARTS in Monterey Park on May 4th
·Ginhawa Community Health & Resource Fair in Koreatown/downtown L.A. on May 18th
CPAF Updates
Volunteer & Intern Program Annual Report
Read about the different ways CPAF volunteers and interns are using their knowledge and skills to make an impact in our community.
Gala Sponsorships & Tribute Ads Now Open
CPAF’s United Through Love: 46 Years of Radiant Resilience gala will be held on Friday, September 6th at the California Science Center, Wallis Annenberg Building. Gala sponsorships and tribute ad opportunities available now.
