𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐞: 𝖳𝗋𝗂𝗎𝗆𝗉𝗁 𝗂𝗇 𝖺𝖽𝗏𝖾𝗋𝗌𝗂𝗍𝗒

Pelican Rapids, home of the famous Pelican Pete, stands guard over Pelican River’s gentle current.
This scenic backdrop has been the site of Thip Prathane’s life, a second-generation Laotian immigrant who is interwoven with the town’s history.
The small but incredibly diverse city witnessed Thip’s life journey—her struggles and triumphs; it witnessed her surviving the dark times that tested her spirit and eventually finding her voice and a renewed purpose. 
Today, she is using her voice to give back to the community that stood by her side through thick and thin.   

Navigating two cultures was unique challenge
In 1989, Thip’s family immigrated to the U.S. from Laos. Growing up in rural Minnesota, Thip found herself caught between the traditions of her Laotian heritage and the new American culture surrounding her.
The cultural crossroads was quite a challenge for Thip.
From misunderstandings with her parents over seemingly simple requests to feeling out of place for bringing Laotian food to school, navigating between two worlds was a confusing time for young Thip.
Despite the hurdles, Thip’s childhood in Pelican was a happy memory.
Thip fondly recalls dressing up in traditional Laotian garments for the Friendship Festival. Everything was fascinating to her curious eyes: the languages, cultures, food, and sounds were all vastly different, but the welcoming atmosphere was all the same.
She found her sense of belonging within the community, and that feeling was immortalized when she was featured in the 2006 edition of “The Faces of Change,” a book highlighting Pelican’s rich cultural diversity and its efforts to bridge cultural divides.
“I don’t think I appreciated growing up in Pelican as much as I should have,” Thip laughed. “But looking back, I couldn’t have found a better town to grow up in.”

Surviving darkness with help of community
Being born into two cultures comes with challenges and expectations.
In her younger years, Thip tried her hardest to adhere to the cultural traditions and standards. But she was constantly overwhelmed by a sense of profound unhappiness. “I felt I couldn’t be true to myself,” Thip recalled.
It was a struggle that would continue until a pivotal moment in her life forced her to reevaluate her path.
In April 2022, Thip’s life was turned upside down when her ex-boyfriend shot her in her own home. The harrowing incident left Thip severely injured and her family in turmoil.
During perhaps the darkest time in Thip’s life, the Pelican community rallied to support one of their own.
Her sister Sone, the owner of Sone’s Cajun Asian Food inside the VFW, faced the possibility of closing the restaurant to care for Thip. Refusing to let that happen, the community stepped in and kept the restaurant open during Thip’s recovery.
The community also organized anti-violence marches and fundraisers for Thip’s healing process.
Instead of judgment, the overwhelming warmth and kindness the community showed took Thip by surprise and challenged the shame and guilt instilled in her by cultural traditions. She realized she must speak up about her experience.
“I want to set an example for my children,” Thip emphasized. “There is no shame in speaking up about pain and trauma. I want my children to know that healthy communication is important; it is how we heal.”

Joins Someplace Safe as crime victim advocate
The community once again showed Thip unwavering support when she was hired by Someplace Safe as a crime victim advocate for its new Pelican Rapids office.
Donations of all sizes poured in to help furnish and equip the new space. Thip was deeply touched by this gesture of solidarity.
“I can never repay them. Without the community, I don’t know where I’d be today,” Thip remarked with heartfelt gratitude.
Recognizing cultural, societal impacts on victim advocacy
As a survivor of domestic violence and a multicultural second-generation immigrant, Thip brings a deep sense of empathy, understanding, and a unique cultural perspective to her role.
Thip is intimately familiar with the cultural restraints that often surround the victims of domestic violence.
“In many cultures, including my own, there’s a stigma attached to airing domestic issues publicly,” Thip shared. “I am proud of who I am and where I came from, but I must acknowledge the negative aspects of my culture.”
She recognizes the complex web of fear and obligation that keeps victims silent—fear of judgment, ostracization, and betrayal of cultural or religious beliefs.
Thip worries that in a small town where everyone knows everyone, the fear of gossip, personal exposure, and the diverse ethnic and cultural landscape can deter victims from seeking help.

Men can fall victim to domestic abuse
Along with the existing challenges, she also addresses a less-recognized issue of male victimization in domestic violence.
Societal norms and expectations surrounding masculinity create a barrier to seeking help, leaving many male victims to suffer in silence.
“I’m not a man, I don’t truly understand their struggles. But just like cultural and religious restrictions, gender norms and biases stop men from reporting domestic crimes,” Thip reflected.

Making Pelican someplace safe
Despite the challenges ahead, Thip remains optimistic. After receiving comprehensive training and gaining more insight into victim advocacy, she is committed to providing a safe environment for everyone in the community to break free from the cycle of abuse.
Someplace Safe has a system built on mutual understanding and confidentiality. Thip is among the organization’s victim advocates who promise to approach clients without bias and judgment, tailor their services to meet individual safety needs, and provide abundant resources and support.
“Our mission is to make everyone feel safe, regardless of gender, ethnicity, culture or religion,” Thip assured.
With her roots deeply embedded in Pelican’s soil, Thip dedicates her life to giving back to the community that once embraced her differences and uniqueness and supported her through the best of times and the worst of times.
“I want to see our community progress, I want to see a shift in society where everyone can break through the cultural, societal, and religious shackles and seek help without the fear of judgment.”
“I will do everything in my power to help others find their own voice, and to make our community a safe space for people from all walks of life.”
If you or someone you know are experiencing domestic abuse, please contact your local agencies, or the
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) Text line: 1-800-787-3224.

What is Someplace Safe?
Someplace Safe is a nonprofit agency offering services to crime victims and survivors, families, and communities in a nine-county region in West Central Minnesota, including: Big Stone, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse, Wadena, and Wilkin Counties.
Someplace Safe works to assist victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, sex trafficking, labor trafficking, and other crimes (including: stalking, elder abuse, identity theft, robbery, theft, etc.;).
Accessible services are available to all clients. Accessibility includes:
• Interpreters (foreign language and DHH),
•  Live chat
•  Text line: 844-980-0169
• 24-hour Crisis Hotline: 800-974-3359
• Email: info@someplacesafe.info
• website: www.someplacesafe.info

Someplace Safe Pelican Rapids Office
Someplace Safe welcomed its Pelican Rapids Office in March 2024. The office is located at 28 N. Broadway. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8 am-4 pm.
 Donations are encouraged to better assist clients. A donation wishlist can be found in the office, or email give@someplacesafe.info for more information.
Contact the office at 320-270-3009 for assistance.

Domestic Violence and Identity
Domestic violence is a significant public health issue with several negative consequences, including everything from broken bones and PTSD to mental health issues and even death.
Research suggests that around 25% of the population experiences domestic violence; only about 2.5% to 15% report abuse.
Among certain ethnic groups in the U.S., there are many cultures where violence against women is considered common and part of typical family life.
According to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, approximately 4 out of 10 non-Hispanic Black women, American Indian, or Alaskan Native women, and 1 in 2 multi-racial non-Hispanic women have been a victim of physical violence, rape, and/or stalking by a partner in their lifetime.
There are also unique challenges women of color face when it comes to reporting domestic violence:
•  Cultural or religious views
•  Strong ties and loyalty to their race, culture, and family
•  Distrust in law enforcement, the justice system, and social services
•  Lack of service providers they can relate to
•  Racist and classist stereotypes
•  Pressure to keep family matters private
•  Immigration status being affected or deportation

Editor’s note: Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month is observed annually in May to celebrate the contributions that generations of AANHPIs have made to American history, society, and culture.
The Pelican Rapids Press will be observing the month with a series of articles focused on Asian American subjects with Pelican area connections. Watch for future articles in May on Vietnamese-American Pelican graduate Danny Anderson; and Chinese-American pastor, Rev. Isaiah Bai, of North Immanuel Lutheran Church. 
This article on Thip Prathane was written by Pelican Press staff writer Chen Dade—herself a Chinese-American.

Celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month is observed annually in May to celebrate the contributions that generations of AAPIs have made to American history, society, and culture. 
The Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) announced the theme for this year is Advancing Leaders Through Innovation, a continuation of the “Advancing Leaders” series that began in 2021.
“Advancing Leaders Through Innovation” pays homage to the visionaries and trailblazers who have shaped history and continue to influence the collective future of the AANHPI community. 
In observance of AANHPI Heritage Month, the Press will spotlight the contributions of AANHPI individuals in the lakes area. Stay tuned for special features, and follow us on Facebook for upcoming highlights.