Contact: Bharati Sen, President , Arizona South Asians for Safe Families
p: 1-877-723-3711 c: 480-710-1858 email: president@asafsf.org
Contact: Jessye Johnson, Chief Strategy Officer Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence p: 602-279-2900 x415
c: 480-242-5328 email: jj@acesdv.org
(PHOENIX, AZ) – Arizona South Asians for Safe Families and the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV) today issued the following statement regarding sexual assault allegations against a local temple priest:
Arizona South Asians for Safe Families and the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Respond to Sexual Assault Allegation on Temple Priest
Contact: Bharati Sen, President , Arizona South Asians for Safe Families
p: 1-877-723-3711 c: 480-710-1858 email: president@asafsf.org
Contact: Jessye Johnson, Chief Strategy Officer Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence p: 602-279-2900 x415
c: 480-242-5328 email: jj@acesdv.org
(PHOENIX, AZ) – Arizona South Asians for Safe Families and the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV) today issued the following statement regarding sexual assault allegations against a local temple priest:
The Indian community in the Valley has recently been shaken by the report of sexual assault of a minor girl by a local temple priest who is currently being held in custody without bail. Sexual assault, especially when a child is victimized, is reprehensible and offenders must be held accountable for their actions. According to the National Institute for Justice, 74% of children who are victims of sexual abuse know their perpetrator.
Any time a child discloses sexual abuse, we must listen and take that seriously,” said Allie Bones, Chief Executive Officer for the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence. Both ASAFSF and ACESDV are shocked and saddened by this abhorrent incident, but even more so by the lack of community outrage and at the hushed tones in which the incident is being referred to in order to protect the integrity of the temple. “The safety and support of the minor victim should be most important and bring the community together,” said Bharati Sen, President of ASAFSF.
ASAFSF and ACESDV are available as a resource for any help that anyone may choose to seek. Both organizations feel that open community conversations about the issues of sexual and domestic violence are essential in an effort to hold perpetrators accountable, regardless of their position in the community. Bharati Sen also stated, “The victim and the community have to begin to heal and people must feel free to talk. We have the resources and we can help.”
For more information or to talk to an advocate, please call Arizona South Asians for Safe Families at (877) SAFE-711 or (877) 723-3711. You may also call the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence at 1-800-782-6400 or (602) 279-2900.
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