Spring Break
The Daily Orangenews becky lee
By Kelina Imamura
Posted: 11/13/08, 12:59 AM EST Section: News
Lee said she had no intention of becoming an actor when she was recruited to participate. She went on the show to dispel the Asian stereotype on television and to bring more light to the cause of domestic violence. Before the show, Lee worked as a domestic violence attorney in Washington, D.C.
"People ask where my passion is coming from, expecting a personal story," Lee said. "I have none. I've personally seen what domestic violence can do, and I can't sit still."
Lee cited numerous statistics during her presentation: a woman is assaulted or beaten every nine seconds, at least 4 million women are assaulted each year and domestic violence is the number one reason why women go to the emergency room. The statistic for Asian-Americans is higher than the national statistics, with 41 to 60 percent of Asian-American women experiencing some type of domestic violence.
But she was also very clear in saying that
women are not the only victims of domestic violence - in 97 percent of reported cases, the woman is the victim.
"It's not just a women's issue," she said directly to the men in the audience before the event. "Whether you're here for the 'Survivor' piece or not, it's a collaborative effort between women and men. I think it's very important."
Lee said acknowledging the existence of domestic violence is not enough. The next step is to stop the cycle.
"It's our role to say no," she said. "This is unacceptable, but it's easier said than done."
kmimamur@syr.edu
"People ask where my passion is coming from, expecting a personal story," Lee said. "I have none. I've personally seen what domestic violence can do, and I can't sit still."
Lee cited numerous statistics during her presentation: a woman is assaulted or beaten every nine seconds, at least 4 million women are assaulted each year and domestic violence is the number one reason why women go to the emergency room. The statistic for Asian-Americans is higher than the national statistics, with 41 to 60 percent of Asian-American women experiencing some type of domestic violence.
But she was also very clear in saying that
women are not the only victims of domestic violence - in 97 percent of reported cases, the woman is the victim.
"It's not just a women's issue," she said directly to the men in the audience before the event. "Whether you're here for the 'Survivor' piece or not, it's a collaborative effort between women and men. I think it's very important."
Lee said acknowledging the existence of domestic violence is not enough. The next step is to stop the cycle.
"It's our role to say no," she said. "This is unacceptable, but it's easier said than done."
kmimamur@syr.edu
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