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What is Shimtuh?

Shimtuh (literally, "resting place" in Korean) is the first Korean domestic violence program in the Bay Area. It is a joint project of the Asian Women's Shelter and the Korean Community Center of East Bay and presently has three staff coordinators.

The Korean American Coalition to End Domestic Violence (KACEDA) has played an instrumental role in the creation of Shimtuh. KACEDA was formed in 1998 by Korean American women working in a variety of fields in the Bay Area as a response to the need for a service program focused on Korean American women suffering from domestic violence, and now plays an advisory role for Shimtuh.

Domestic Violence in the Korean American Community

The first project of Shimtuh was to learn more about domestic violence in the Korean American community through survey questionnaires, personal interviews and small group discussions. 347 individuals responded to the questionnaires and several victims of domestic violence and children or relatives who had witnessed domestic violence were interviewed. There were also 6 small discussion groups (focus groups) that were composed of local Korean American clergy, first-generation Korean American women from local Christian churches, first generation KA women in their 60s and 70s, second-generation (English-speaking) men, second generation women, and women who work professionally around issues of domestic violence. This research resulted in a community "Needs Assessment" Report, which was published last October.

According to the results of the Needs Assessment, 42% of the respondents reported that they knew a person who had been hit, kicked or suffered some form of physical abuse by a husband or boyfriend. 33% had witnessed their father physically abusing their mother while growing up. These results show the prevalence of domestic violence in the Korean American community and how great the need is for awareness, intervention, and prevention programs.

Shimtuh Objectives:
  • To provide linguistically and culturally sensitive services for Korean American survivors of domestic violence and their children in the Bay Area
  • To prevent and eradicate domestic violence through outreach and education to the local Korean American community
  • To work in cooperation with Korean American domestic violence programs in other areas and other service agencies
  • To work in cooperation with existing religious communities (Protestant churches, Catholic churches, Buddhist temples, etc.) within the Korean American society to prevent and eradicate domestic violence.

Shimtuh's Services:
  • Help Line : 510-547-2360
    Monday-Friday: 9:30am - 5:30pm
  • Referrals for Domestic Violence Shelter:
    Help with recommending shelters in the case of women who are in immediate danger.
  • Legal Assistance:
    Referrals, interpretation and advocacy for survivors who need legal services.
  • Professional Counseling:
    Referrals to specialists based on the needs of domestic violence survivors and their children.
  • Social Services Program:
    Assistance with applying for social service programs, such as Cal Works and GA.
  • Citizenship/Legal Residency:
    Survivors whose spouses are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, but do not hold Green Cards, may petition for a Green Card through the VAWA (Violence Against Women Act)

All matters are handled with total confidentiality.

Domestic violence is a problem that concerns everyone in our community. It is not only one woman's problem, nor is it the problem of just one abuser or one family. Not only is domestic violence illegal, but its emotional effects are long-lasting on both individuals and the larger community. We believe that through clear understanding we can help victims and their families eradicate domestic violence in our society through community outreach and education.

All services are free of charge, completely confidential, and provided by bilingual Korean Americans who understand Korean culture, language and history