Despite the rain and chilly air, 30 intrepid volunteers walked down Center Street in Burlington, MA, on Saturday, October 6, 2013, for Saheli’s annual 5K walk to commemorate Domestic Violence month. The aim of the walk is in line with Saheli’s goal to empower, educate, and raise awareness to prevent domestic violence and violence against women.

The walk, which began at Burlington Council of Aging at 10am, was organized by Saheli, Support and Friendship for South Asian Families. It drew both South Asians and members of the mainstream White community from New England. It was a motley group of skipping 5 year olds and graying seniors. Participants made the trek down from as far as the North and South Shores, New Hampshire and Connecticut. Men, women, children and seniors carried placards advocating that the community take an active role in reducing violence against women.

The walk was followed by a free Indian lunch. Participants gathered at the Council of Aging to mingle and learn about Saheli’s current and forthcoming initiatives. Saheli board members shared information on the upcoming Mental Health Initiative, the Men’s Initiative and the Sabha Women’s Support Group that is currently offered every Wednesday night from 6:30 pm to 8 pm at the Burlington Public Library and will run until November 13. Saheli’s recently launched Men’s Initiative aims at inspiring men to actively participate in preventing domestic violence. Drs. Gouri Banerjee and Kumkum Malik spoke about Saheli’s Mental Health initiative that aims at beginning a conversation about mental health, a taboo topic in the South Asian community, as well as creating a resource manual that lists culturally sensitive mental health practitioners.

Since 2012, Saheli has helped over 115 women who have suffered abuse, abandonment, family discord and significant health issues. Saheli Advocates spend 5 to 50 hours approximately on each case. In 2013 alone, Saheli advocates have spent upward of 500 hours working with South Asian Women survivors. Prospective volunteers or those in need of help are encouraged to check out Saheli’s website at http://www.saheliboston.org or email sahelihelp@gmail.com

The annual Walk was made possible due to the strong collaboration between Saheli, the Burlington Police Department and Lahey Clinic.

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