Leaders of the Hmong community are asking state lawmakers to help stop a pattern of violence in their community. There have been a number of high profile crimes against Hmong women and children recently that have shaken the community of forty-thousand. Yesterday, about 30 Hmong professionals met with lawmakers to see what government support is available to prevent further violence. DFL state representative Andy Dawkins represents the frogtown neighborhood of St. Paul where many Hmong people live. Dawkins says the Hmong are a "hurting community" and yesterday's meeting was a first step.