Research, Law Enforcement Partnership, Community Resources, and a Special Dramatic Performance
GLENDALE — Researcher and Family Life Educator Lilit Shakaryan, whose academic and research career spans 15 years of university teaching, curriculum development, and domestic violence research, will organize and moderate “Strengthening Community Awareness and Response to Domestic Violence,” a research-based community panel in partnership with the Glendale Police Department, on November 12.
A graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno, Shakaryan is continuing her academic journey at the University of Southern California, where she is pursuing graduate studies in clinical social work. Her work brings together academic research, education, family well-being, and community engagement, with a focus on translating research into practical approaches that help individuals, families, and professionals respond more effectively to domestic violence.
Fifteen years of university teaching and academic development: At Yerevan State University, Shakaryan served as an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Sociology. During her academic career, she developed approximately seven academic courses and published three educational handbooks, contributing to teaching and professional development across multiple disciplines.
International academic and leadership experience: Shakaryan participated in the Women’s Leadership Program at Arizona State University, including an academic and leadership visit to the School of Social Transformation. Her experience involved developing new courses and teaching methodologies and further strengthened her commitment to education, research, and women’s empowerment.
Award-winning domestic violence research: One of the most significant projects in Shakaryan’s research career was a year-long initiative with the HOPE team at the University of Nevada, Reno, examining domestic violence in Nevada. The team received the Purple Ribbon Award for its work. According to Shakaryan, the research findings subsequently contributed to the development of a 40-hour training program for relevant state agencies.
Continuing research in California: Shakaryan is currently continuing her research on domestic violence in California. Her November 12 initiative builds on her academic and research experience by bringing community perspectives into direct conversation with law enforcement, service providers, legal professionals, and community organizations.
Beyond her academic and research work, Shakaryan serves as a Board Member of the Walking With Alex Foundation, which supports children with autism and their families. Her broader professional and community commitments reflect an ongoing dedication to education, family well-being, women’s empowerment, and strengthening community support.
The November 12 panel is grounded in research developed and conducted by Lilit Shakaryan, including a survey of Armenian community members. The survey examines perceptions of domestic violence, awareness of different forms of abuse, knowledge of available support services, and potential barriers to seeking assistance, as measured by the research.
By placing community perspectives at the center of the discussion, the initiative seeks to identify gaps in awareness and understanding and explore how connections between community members and professional support systems can be strengthened. The partnership with the Glendale Police Department brings law enforcement expertise into a broader discussion involving domestic violence services, legal advocacy, and community-based support.
Although the survey focuses on the Armenian community, domestic violence affects people across cultural, socioeconomic, and demographic backgrounds. The initiative aims to contribute to a wider public conversation about recognizing abuse, reducing barriers to assistance, and improving coordinated responses to those affected.
Domestic violence is not limited to physical violence. Emotional and psychological abuse, coercive control, sexual abuse, and financial abuse can also affect individuals and families, sometimes in ways that are difficult to recognize or disclose.
- Recognizing different forms of abuse and patterns that may be overlooked or misunderstood.
- Understanding barriers to seeking help, including fear, stigma, family pressures, cultural expectations, and concerns about the consequences of speaking out.
- Understanding the impact on children and families and the importance of early recognition, prevention, and appropriate assistance.
- Clarifying available options when contacting law enforcement, domestic violence service providers, or legal advocates.
- Strengthening access to resources and connections with appropriate professional services and community support.
Panel Moderator and Participants
Moderator: Lilit Shakaryan — Researcher and Family Life Educator. As organizer and moderator, Shakaryan will present relevant survey findings and guide a multidisciplinary discussion connecting research with practical professional knowledge and community experiences.
- Lieutenant Ernesto Gaxiola — Representative of the Glendale Police Department
- Debra Suh — CEO of YWCA – The YWCA Glendale & Pasadena is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
- Mariya Melkonyan — Criminal Defense Attorney
- Alina Krikorian – MA, LMFT, Armenian Relief Society’s Child,Family & Youth & Guidance Center Representative
- Maya Tokhalyan — Admin and Founder of the “Armenian Woman Power”FB Group
Additional specialists and community representatives contributing perspectives on domestic violence awareness, survivor assistance, and access to services
The discussion will address law enforcement responses, access to domestic violence services, safety planning, legal protections, and the role community organizations can play in supporting survivors and their children. An audience question-and-answer session and resource-sharing segment will provide further opportunities for engagement and information.
Expected official guests include the Mayor of Glendale, the Glendale Police Chief, The Armenian Bar Association representatives and other public officials and community leaders. Their anticipated presence reflects the importance of cooperation among local government, law enforcement, service providers, and community organizations in strengthening awareness and improving access to support.
Following the panel discussion, the program will feature a special dramatic performance titled “I Am a Woman,” directed by Suren Shahverdyan and featuring actresses Ani Gevorgyan, Mariana Yeghiazaryan, and Anna Gevorgyan.
The performance portrays experiences based on real domestic violence survivor stories, bringing an artistic and human perspective to the issues addressed throughout the event. Through dramatic storytelling, it will invite audiences to reflect on survivors’ experiences and the importance of recognition, understanding, and access to support.
By bringing together research, law enforcement, domestic violence services, legal advocacy, community organizations, and the arts, “Strengthening Community Awareness and Response to Domestic Violence” seeks to encourage a more informed, compassionate, and coordinated response.
The initiative aims to strengthen public understanding, connect community members with available resources, and encourage collaboration among organizations and professionals who support individuals and families affected by domestic violence.