KENT, Wash. — As October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, community members are invited to attend a public conversation on domestic violence, survivor support, and available resources with Washington State Senator Manka Dhingra on October 18, 2026, at Guru Tegh Bahadur Gurudwara in Kent.
The event aims to create a welcoming space for members of the Punjabi community to discuss domestic violence, learn about support services, and explore ways to better support survivors and families affected by abuse.
The panel will include representatives from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, domestic violence advocates, and API Chaya, an organization that supports survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, particularly within South Asian, East Asian, and immigrant communities.
Organizers expressed gratitude for the collaboration of domestic violence organizations, Councilmember Shoker, the Kent Police Department, and community members helping bring this conversation to the community.
Building Awareness and Supporting Survivors
The gathering aims to encourage open dialogue about domestic violence while helping attendees understand the resources and services available to survivors and their families.
By bringing advocates, public officials, law enforcement representatives, and community members together, organizers hope to address concerns, answer questions, and strengthen connections between survivors and support organizations.
The event also emphasizes the importance of making these conversations accessible in trusted community spaces, including Sikh gurdwaras, where families can come together to learn, share concerns, and seek information.
Bringing Resources to Punjabi Communities
Organizers say the event is part of a broader effort to bring domestic violence awareness and support resources to community spaces and gurdwaras throughout the region.
The goal is to foster conversations with the community rather than simply talk about the community, ensuring that Punjabi families and survivors have opportunities to participate, ask questions, and learn about available assistance.
Community members are encouraged to attend, engage with the panel, and share information about the event with friends, relatives, and others who may benefit from the discussion.
Event Details
- Event: Domestic Violence Awareness Community Conversation
- Date: October 18, 2026
- Location: Guru Tegh Bahadur Gurudwara, Kent, Washington
- Featured guest: Senator Manka Dhingra
- Panel participants: King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, domestic violence advocates, and API Chaya
The event offers an opportunity for the community to come together in support of survivors, increase awareness, and help build safer, more informed, and supportive families across the region.