The murders of Bao Yang, Lily Mai Rue Vang, and True Cindy Vang have caused an aching in the heart of our community. We send our deepest condolences to the surviving families of these atrocious crimes. We understand that there is much work needed to be done in the education of domestic violence in our community.
Domestic violence has traditionally been a discrete issue in the Hmong community where the recipients mediate through kwv tij and neej tsa. To our Hmong families, please seek out resources that will help and aid in the healing of families, one’s mental health, relationships, and even possibly, the saving of a life. To our community members in an abusive situation, there is never an excuse for violence or harm onto your body, safety or well-being. It is always a crime to cause harm onto any person’s body. Please do not hesitate in seeking help from us at the18 Clan Council, law enforcement, safety shelters, and other resources.
Murder-suicide is an issue that needs to be addressed in our community. We identify that a majority of murder-suicides are caused by our Hmong men. This sort of behavior is not tolerated in our community.
To the families, leaders, men and women in our community, it is imperative to support and ensure the safety of domestic violence victims. Do not believe that an abuser would never hurt their loved ones. Support any mother, sister, aunt, daughter, father, uncle, and son who is showing any signs of abuse. Do this by condemning abusers’ actions and getting them the help they need.
As leaders in the Hmong community, we are continually promoting the
eradication of violence within our community. There is no place for domestic violence in our communities. In the following days, we intend to discuss and hold safe spaces for solutions to avoid and prevent instances like this from happening in the future.
Sincerely,
President Nao Houa Moua
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