How to become a breast cancer advocate
In this edition of Saa Nasta, learn about how you can be an ally to your loved ones before or during breast cancer treatment; how childhood domestic violence may seep into adulthood and what to do about it; and learn about anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh.
Advocating for breast cancer treatment
Whether you’re a caregiver for a parent, sibling or friend, going through breast cancer can be scary. During breast cancer awareness month, learn about how to become an ally for your loved ones.
In the United States, 1 in 8 women and 1 in 833 men get breast cancer during their lifetime, according to breastcancer.org, a support site for cancer.
Many families become caregivers to their parents, sometimes who speak limited English or are unfamiliar with the health care system in the United States. Here are 12 tips on how to become an ally, advocate, and effective translator or interpreter for your loved ones.
What happens to children of domestic violence?
Trigger Warning: domestic violence
Domestic violence happens to women and men across cultures, religions, and creeds. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, “1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence,” in the United States.
However, children often become witnesses to the turbulence at home.
UNICEF reports, “275 million children worldwide become caught in the crossfire of domestic violence (yearly) and suffer the full consequences of a turbulent home life.”
This may include emotional, psychological, physical abuse, neglect, exploitation, or sexual abuse at the hands of family members. Children often either internalize, repeat the behavior, or fall victim to abusive partners in the future.
Learn about how the effects of witnessing domestic violence seep into adulthood, and how these two women are learning how to cope through old wounds.
Anti-Hindu violence erupts in Bangladesh during Durga puja
Trigger Warning: Violence
Last week Hindu temples, businesses, and homes were torched and attacked by Muslims in the Comilla district of Bangladesh due to a Quran being placed in a temple in Comilla. The violence has spread across the country.
Hindus make up about 9 percent of the country's 165 million population.
Muslims said having a Quran in a temple was offensive and blasphemous, leading to clashes across the country. Hindus now fear for their lives due to the mob attacks. Dhaka Tribune reported that a key suspect was found behind the incidents that led up to the clashes.
According to Reuters, at least six people have died, and hundreds have been arrested for questioning.
Thousands marched in Dhaka this week calling for an end to the violence.
Learn more: Bushra Mollick of Bengalis of New York writes about the historical violence between Muslims and Hindus in Bangladesh. Read it here.