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Issue: 1116 Date: 1/12/2012
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Sen. Chappelle-Nadal Holds Public Forum on Domestic Violence
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Public Forum: Domestic Violence in Our Community With Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal Sunday, Jan. 22, 20122:00 p.m. Centennial Commons7210 Olive Boulevard University City, MO 63130
JEFFERSON CITY - Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal, D-University City, is hosting a public forum to discuss the issue of domestic violence this month in University City. Guest speakers and experts on the subject are scheduled to attend and the public is invited to join the discussion, which will take place Jan. 22nd at Centennial Commons.
"Our goal is to make our community a safer place by providing resources and educating our citizenry on what signs to look for," said Sen. Chappelle-Nadal. "It is in everyone's best interest to address and encourage efforts to help those in need and to prevent instances of abuse."
Attendees will view and hear testimony about the award-winning documentary "Telling Amy's Story," a film produced and aired on Public Broadcasting Stations in all 50 states reaching 7.6 million viewers. One of the featured guests to attend the public forum includes Detective Deirdri Fishel, who in the film follows the timeline of the domestic violence homicide of Amy Homan McGee. The film is used to educate viewers on the warning signs and potential intervention points that could ultimately save someone's life. It was funded by the Verizon Foundation and produced by Penn State Public Broadcasting.
"I am amazed that too few people want to discuss the issue of domestic violence publicly, including some mainstream media outlets. This problem is very visible to local law enforcement agencies and safe harbor organizations that are seeing a rise in the number of violent incidences," Sen. Chappelle-Nadal said. "However, I remain encouraged that the private sector has taken the bull by the horn and utilized their assets to help raise awareness. There will be resources available and a discussion on recent efforts to stop domestic violence in our communities."
Senator Chappelle-Nadal is sponsoring legislation this session that would allow schools to establish and implement an age-appropriate curriculum to educate students about domestic violence. Senate Bill 587 would give students a chance to participate in curriculums that raise awareness about domestic violence and promote healthy behaviors in relationships. The bill also allows a school district or charter school to cooperate with other governmental, nonprofit, or private entities to help develop a curriculum.
"With confidence, I believe our schools can effectively raise awareness about domestic violence among our student population," Sen. Chappelle-Nadal said. "If we do not address the emotional, societal and economic affects of domestic violence and teach our youth about prevention, then we are doing a disservice to our communities."
For more information regarding the public forum, please contact Sen. Chappelle-Nadal's office at (573) 751-4106, and for more information regarding the documentary "Telling Amy's Story," please visit http://telling.psu.edu/index.html. |
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