QHC holds domestic violence awareness training

BY TONIA N. CIMINO

Wednesday, June 24, 2009 11:11 AM EDT

Staff members from the Queens Health Coalition (QHC) received certificates in recognition of having completed basic training in domestic violence awareness. The program was offered by CONNECT, an organization that counsels, trains and advocates on behalf of victims of domestic violence.

QHC is a coalition of over 60 agencies and community-based organizations that provide health and social services with a special emphasis on high-risk individuals who experience barriers to quality care due, in part, to cultural, educational, economic and age-related factors.

QHC has partnered with CONNECT to help combat domestic violence – ranging from intimate partner dating among teens to elder abuse.

CONNECT instructor Anindita Chatterjee Bhaumik taught QHC staff about the various signs of domestic violence and how to best advise victims.

“We are very grateful to CONNECT not only for the work it does when dealing directly with domestic violence victims, but for also taking the time to train our staff so that, together, we can offer additional resources to this most vulnerable segment of our population,” said QHC Executive Director Phyllis Shafran.

“A person who suffers abuse at the hands of loved ones and friends shouldn’t have to feel further betrayal by thinking that there is no where to turn. There is. We’re here. So is CONNECT,” Shafran said.

For questions, call QHC at 718-762-0346 or visit CONNECT’s web site at: www.connectnyc.org.