India Post News Service

CHICAGO: The Indian American Medical Association of Illinois (IAMA-IL) held a Seminar on Domestic Violence at the Viceroy of India Restaurant in Lombard, IL last week. It evoked a pretty good interest among members of the Indian community here.

The event was jointly organized by IAMA and Apna Ghar, shelter for women from the Indian subcontinent, who are victims of domestic violence.Dr Deepak Mital, IAMA president, said that he envisioned this open community forum after a number of fatal incidents associated with domestic violence were reported in the Indian/Asian community in the metro last year.

"These are of special relevance to natives of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangla Desh who have migrated to the United States of America," he said. Dr Raj Arora of IAMA and Directors of Apna Ghar were involved in the organization of this event.

There were excellent talks by experts in the field. Dr Shastri Swaminathan described the psychological profiles of the abusers and victims in domestic violence. Dr Surinder Nand defined the role of Apna Ghar in the healing and recovery of survivors of domestic abuse. Also addressing the gathering were Dr Sudha Rao and Prem Sharma of Apna Ghar. There was an interactive session after the formal talks.

The attendees discussed physical and psychological abuse of women, seniors and children prevalent in families from all walks of life and of every ethnic background. "Such seminars increase awareness regarding health related issues of relevance to the Indo-Asian community," Dr Mital added. IAMA also runs a free clinic on the weekends in Chicago on Peterson Avenue. This caters to all Chicago residents regardless of their ethnic background or ability to pay for medical visits, lab tests or simple prescriptions.

Dr Mital, a Transplant Surgeon at Rush University Medical Center, has increasingly garnered support from associations like Apna Ghar after becoming IAMA President for 2008. This includes Platinum Sponsorship of their 'Taste of Life' fund raising event planned for April 17 in Chicago.