Autism, “Honor” Crimes and Domestic Violence Discussed at Partner Lectures

The Counseling Office at the Birzeit University Deanship of Student Affairs recently organized three workshops in partnership with local institutions. A workshop on autism was organized in partnership with the Jerusalem Autistic Child Care Organization, “honor” crimes were discussed in partnership with the Women's Centre for Legal Aid and Counseling, and domestic violence discussed in partnership with the Governorate of Ramallah and Al Bireh.
In the first workshop on autism, Jerusalem Autistic Child Care Organization director Khalil Jaradat defined autism and explained how to interact with autistic children psychologically, socially and physically. Khalil focused on the importance of communication between volunteers and supporters in achieving objectives.
Lawyer Lateefeh Sahwail from the Women's Center for Legal Aid and Counseling spoke on “honor” crimes, summarizing a report she prepared by monitoring and documenting honor crimes in the years 2011-2012, when 18 such crimes were documented.
In the third workshop, women’s rights activist I’tidal Jariri, who works in the office of the Governorate of Ramallah and Al-Bireh said there is a dire need to enact laws that protect women, and to adopt penalties for those who commit such crimes. Jariri also underscored the role of community-based institutions in supporting and raising awareness among Palestinian women.
Dean of Student Affairs Mohammed al-Ahmad noted that these workshops and lectures organized by the counseling office are important in raising student awareness about possible extracurricular activities.