Our Bureau
Houston, TX
The Indian American Public Affairs Council (IAPAC), in partnership with the Raindrop Foundation and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, invites the Houston community to an important and inspiring evening—From Silence to Strength: A Community Conversation on Domestic Violence and Legal Rights—on Friday, August 29, 2025.
This event offers more than just conversation—it is a call to awareness, solidarity, and action. Attendees will hear firsthand stories of resilience, gain critical knowledge about legal rights, and learn how to navigate the justice system. Survivors, advocates, and legal experts will come together in one room to break the silence surrounding abuse and provide clear pathways to safety and justice.
About WE@IAPAC: Empowering Women Year After Year
WE@IAPAC was conceived as the women empowerment arm of IAPAC, with a mission to empower women through education and civic engagement. Over the years, WE@IAPAC has hosted impactful annual events focused on women’s education, health rights, safety, and rights. Past topics have included meetings with women leaders and elected officials, in-depth conversations on women’s health rights, and sessions addressing human trafficking. This year’s program continues that tradition—placing the spotlight on domestic violence awareness, survivor support, and legal empowerment.
Dr. Roopa Gir, President of IAPAC, highlights the urgency of this gathering:
“Domestic violence is a deeply personal and community-wide challenge that thrives in silence and stigma. This event, From Silence to Strength, is about breaking that silence and equipping survivors and allies with the knowledge of their legal rights and available resources. It’s a vital step toward creating a safer, more informed community where survivors feel empowered to seek justice and rebuild their lives. Together, we can transform awareness into action.”
An Evening of Stories and Legal Insights
The program will begin with powerful stories of survivors and resilience shared by representatives from organizations supporting victims of domestic abuse. This session will be moderated by Judge Stuti Patel, Fort Bend County Judge and member of Daya’s advisory board.
Following this, a legal panel will explore survivors’ rights and navigating the justice system. The panel will include Sean Teare, District Attorney, Harris County; Angela Harrington, Judge, Harris County Family Court; and Jeremy DuCote, Family Law Attorney. The legal panel will be moderated by Mary McFaden, Bureau Chief of Domestic Violence at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
Standing Together for Survivors
Houston is home to remarkable organizations dedicated to supporting victims of domestic abuse and empowering survivors. These groups provide crucial resources, advocacy, and healing services that transform lives.
Sonia Corrales, Interim CEO of Houston Area Women’s Center, emphasizes the scope of the challenge and the hope for change:
“One out of every three women might be a survivor of domestic violence or intimate partner violence. Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviors—one partner exerting power and control over another. Awareness and conversation are crucial steps toward ending this cycle.”
Judge Stuti Patel, Fort Bend County Judge and advisory board member of Daya, adds:
“When survivors know their rights and resources, they are better able to take back their lives. Our community can and must stand with them.”
An Evening for the Mind and Heart
In addition to the panel discussions, resource tables from partner organizations will offer information and support services.
To foster a warm and inclusive atmosphere, guests will also enjoy a multi-cuisine dinner featuring Indian, Chinese, and Mediterranean dishes—reflecting Houston’s diversity and the spirit of unity that drives this gathering.
Event Details
Date: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Raindrop Turkish House, 9301 W Bellfort Ave, Houston, TX 77031
Dinner: Multi-cuisine, complimentary
Whether you are a survivor, an ally, a student, or simply a concerned community member, your presence matters. By attending, you are not only deepening your own understanding but also standing in solidarity with those whose voices need to be heard.
IAPAC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is non-partisan and secular, dedicated to fostering civic engagement and community empowerment.
For more information, visit iapachouston.org website.
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