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September 8, 2010

DSC to host domestic violence conference

Submitted by the Conasauga Family Violence Alliance

Under a new name and with revised mission objectives, a revitalized Conasauga Family Violence Alliance is hosting its fourth annual domestic violence conference at Dalton State College on Friday, Oct. 1.

The alliance is a group of community social service and law enforcement professionals who work together to provide community education and coordination toward ending domestic violence in Whitfield and Murray counties.

The conference offers a host of speakers, including law enforcement officials, a clergywoman and a member of the State Board of Pardon and Paroles. The event draws professionals from across the state who work with victims of abuse as well as those who abuse them. The event is co-sponsored by the Dalton State College School of Social Work and is held during the month of October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

“The purpose of the event,” said Lynne Cabe, assistant professor of social work at Dalton State and alliance co-chair, “is to provide information and training to professionals, the community, organizations, faith communities and families in order to increase understanding of domestic violence victimization, dispel myths relating to domestic violence, and assist conference attendees in effectively identifying and responding to domestic violence in their own families and communities.”

The keynote speaker is Murray County native Gale Buckner, a member of the State Board of Pardons and Paroles who will speak on “Domestic Violence in Georgia: Where We’ve Been, Where We Are, and Where We’re Going.” Buckner will be introduced by Whitfield County Sheriff Scott Chitwood.

Participants will have their choice of attending one of three breakout sessions:

• “Law Enforcement Response to Domestic Violence,” with Lt. Phil Herren, Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office

• “Psychological Effects of Domestic Violence on Children/Youth and Appropriate Mental Health Interventions,” with Susan Ewing

• “Cyber Stalking,” with Christy Cardena, Georgia Coalition on Domestic Violence

During lunch, awards will be presented to this year’s recipients of the Betty Higgins Domestic Violence Service Award and the Jackie Williams Criminal Justice Award. Following lunch, there will be a video presentation of “A Victim’s Story.” This dramatic video depicts the events set in motion by one battered woman’s call to 911, from the criminal court case, to the child protection investigation, to a protection-order petition, to a visitation center visit, to her ultimate eviction. It is a powerful illustration of the complex relationship between battered women and the systems they turn to for help.

A plenary session will follow lunch on “What Social Service Professionals Need to Know About the Interface of Faith, Church and Clergy in Domestic Violence Work” presented by Rev. Pat Merchant, retired Episcopal priest, former shelter director and first board president of Men Stopping Violence.

In the afternoon, participants will attend a second breakout session, choosing between:

“Domestic Violence Training for Faith Communities and Other Interested Persons,” with Pat Merchant

• “Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence,” with Kim Davis, executive director of the Sexual Assault Center of Northwest Georgia

• “Child Custody When Domestic Violence is Present,” with Vicky Kimbrell, Georgia Legal Services Program

Cost is $35 and includes lunch if registered by Sept. 27. Online and phone registration are not available. To obtain a registration form send your request to sgale@daltonstate.edu or dshelburne@daltonstate.edu. To register in person, visit Dalton State’s School of Social Work, 263 Lorberbaum Liberal Arts Building. To register by mail, send your registration form and a check to Dalton State College, School of Social Work, 650 College Drive, Dalton, GA 30720.

For more information call Sarita Gale at (706) 272-4490. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be provided for social workers and other licensed helping professionals; application has been made for Continuing Legal Education (CLE) and Police Officer Standards & Training (POST) CEUs.

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