The Association Haitian Women of Boston —also known as AFAB— will host their annual Violence Prevention Forum this Saturday, August 9 at the Whittier Street Health Center, 1290 Tremont St. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Founded in 1988, the Fuller Street-based organization has dedicated itself to empowering low-income Haitian women and their children. In collaboration with other Haitian agencies, AFAB also works to educate Haitian women on the dangers of domestic violence.

"This is our 15th year having this event and each year we look at a series of happenings in the community to get a sense of how we are going to tailor the event and also find a better and lasting solution to domestic violence," said Domestic Violence Program Director, Carmelle Bonhometre.

Since 1988 the Haitian community has lost 17 people from domestic violence, according to Bonhometre.

"The Haitian community is small so 17 deaths is a lot and we've decided that it's time to have a community discussion," said Bonhometre.

This year's keynote speaker Judith Alexandre, Principal of JMYA Consulting, will host domestic violence workshops along with members of The Haitian Roundtable on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault. Other workshops will be Domestic Violence(DV) 101 by Amie Brooks from Whitter Health Center, and Moving Towards Trauma-Informed Care by Erin Miler from Newton-Wellesley Hospital.

As part of AFAB's efforts against domestic violence, members of the Haitian community, The Haitian Round Table on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault hold meetings every first Wednesday of the month.

"We need to do more in the Haitian community because we are sick and tired of burying our sisters and brothers in the Haitian community and it starts with this forum," said Bonhometre.

For more information on the Violence Prevention Forum and to RSVP please contact The Association Haitian Women of Boston at 617-287-0096 or Carmelle Bonhometre at @cbonhometre.