Through our Queer Asian Women’s Services (QAWS), our organization responds to the experiences and needs of lesbian, bisexual, queer women and transgender survivors of relationship violence. Repeatedly, we’ve learned from queer survivors how different systems have failed to meet their needs. Due to different forms of oppression, including homophobia and prejudice, queer survivors of violence are further isolated and often avoid approaching conventional programs offered to mainstream populations.

By outreaching to and organizing queer communities within Asian and Pacific Islander (A&PI) populations, QAWS helps to open the dialogue about intimate forms of violence.

AWS has also developed a Peer Resource Model that supports friends and social networks to identify and address violence in intimate and family relationships.