Obama's half-brother Ndesandjo raising awareness of domestic violence - LI employers can help

November 9, 2:37 PMLong Island Mental Health ExaminerLisa DeLuca

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President Obama's half-brother, Mark Ndesandjo. AP Photo Kin Cheung

President Obama's half brother, Mark Okoth Obama Ndesandjo, wrote and published an autobiographical novel to raise awareness about domestic violence, according to The Chicago Tribune.

Ndesandjo is a 43-year-old businessman and musician who lives in China.  In his self-published, autobiographical novel, Ndesandjo writes about the father he and President Obama have in common. He reportedly told the Associated Press, "My father beat my mother, and my father beat me."

His book, Nairobi To Shenzhen is available now.

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Former victims are not the only ones who can help spread awareness.

Employers on Long Island can make a significant impact in the lives of their employees who are experiencing domestic violence, by attending a free breakfast meeting at the Middle Country Public Library in Centereach on Thursday, November 19th at 8:00 a.m.  The presentation is open to the public and no registration is required.

Topics include knowing the signs, learning what employers can do to assist employees who need help, and knowing how domestic violence being experienced by employees at home can affect the workplace. Professionals from VIBS Family Violence and Rape Crisis Center, including Pamela Johnston, Executive Director & Allison Ryan, Director of Community Education & Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners will present at the breakfast meeting.

According to their announcement, the speakers will, "Explore the link between financial vulnerability as a risk factor and the need for financial empowerment information and education for staff." This presentation is part of the Allstate Readiness Series.

According to its website, the Allstate Readiness Series is "a year-long calendar of events sponsored by the Allstate Foundation and held at the Middle Country Library -- focusing on issues such as catastrophe readiness, teen safe driving, and financial empowerment for victims of domestic violence and others."

Here are driving directions to the program on how domestic violence impacts the workplace: Exit #62 North (Nicolls Road) off Long Island Expressway. Go North on Nicolls Road to Middle Country Road (Route 25). Take the exit ramp on your right for Smithtown (West). At the end of exit ramp, make left onto Route 25. Continue 6/10 mile to Eastwood Boulevard. Turn right at light (across from Burger King) and continue 4/10 mile to MCPL-Centereach on the left.