A Family Violence Summit is scheduled for Sept. 29 at Aunty Sally’s Luau Hale in Hilo.
A Family Violence Summit is scheduled for Sept. 29 at Aunty Sally’s Luau Hale in Hilo.
Sponsored by the Hawaii County Family Violence Interagency Committee, the event, slated for 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., is aimed at increasing community involvement in the prevention of, and intervention with, incidents of family violence such as domestic violence, child abuse and neglect and elder abuse.
“We know that no single agency or group can effectively deal with the complexity of family violence,” said Roxanne L. Aburamen, community violence response coordinator for the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney. “We hope to build a foundation to work together to decrease family violence.”
State and local lawmakers, agency leaders and representatives from the Judiciary also are expected to attend.
Discussion groups will be formed to hear participants’ thoughts about what the priorities should be in addressing the issues.
The agenda includes the exercise “Blanketed by Blame,” a short play about a domestic violence victim and the challenges and support she encounters as she seeks help from her parents, pastor, immigration attorney, police, doctor and domestic violence advocate.
“It will show how we are all impacted by family violence and how we influence the victim’s ultimate choices,” Aburamen said.
The Family Violence Interagency Committee includes representatives from a wide range of government and community agencies, community organizations and clubs and other interested individuals. It meets monthly in Hilo and Kona. For more information, contact Aburamen at 934-3345 or rla96720@yahoo.com.
Email Nancy Cook Lauer at ncook-lauer@westhawaiitoday.com.