Barriers to Hmong women seeking help in the community

I volunteer at [...], my local non-profit organization that works to empower victims and survivors of domestic violence (DV) and sexual assault (SA).  In July, as part of our cultural awareness program, I was asked to do a presentation on barriers Hmong women face in seeking help for DV and SA.  I was ecstatic because [...]

“Love is when he is mean to you….”

“Love is when he is mean to you and you still want him.  It’s when he ignores you and you still love him.  It’s when he loves another girl, but you still smile and say I’m happy for you, when all you really want to do is cry.” I found this quote online while searching [...]

I am not Hmong; And I don’t speak Spanish!

A few of years ago, Dear Spouse’s niece exclaimed, “Auntie, I know how to say door in Spanish.”“Dora, the Explorer” was one of her favorite children’s television shows at that time.  I wondered if she had learned that from “Dora.” “How?” I asked. “Qhob rooj!” I gasped in surprise,  “Athena, that’s not Spanish!  That’s Hmong.  [...]