A conference shining the light on how culture intertwines with domestic violence is being hosted in Richmond next Wednesday.
The Richmond-based Chimo Community Services is hosting Our Voices Against Violence 2016, which will explore various social and cultural considerations when working with victims of family violence and abuse.
Keynote speaker at the conference — being held Jan. 27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Executive Airport Plaza Hotel, 7311 Westminster Hwy — will be Surrey’s Kamal Dhillon, domestic violence counsellor and author of Black & Blue Sari, an autobiographical account of her life with an abusive spouse.
Dhillon has been acclaimed as an inspirational speaker on domestic violence and her book is an autobiographical account of the abuse and torment she suffered at the hands of her husband after her marriage.
Her story recounts the cost of leaving a toxic relationship and how the transition can empower you.
Since the release of her book in 2009, Dhillon has made appearances on both radio and television and she has been the speaker and workshop facilitator at numerous venues including secondary schools, community events, places of worship, and conferences.
A mother of four and grandmother of two, Dhillon has been described as “an individual with the ability to encourage both men and women to action” and has been the recipient of numerous awards.
Chimo hopes the conference will increase awareness and understanding of how family violence affects individuals and the community of Richmond at-large, as well as exploring the culturally-sensitive and appropriate intervention strategies.
To purchase tickets, go online to bit.ly/1LAohk8. Tickets are $45, including lunch and parking.
For more information on Chimo Community Services or the Our Voices Against Violence Conference, call 604-279-2077.
