Month focuses on domestic violence

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By Brandy Nance (Contact)

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness month, and local events have been planned to recognize the month.

SOS has scheduled two events — the Light of Hope 5K Run/Walk and a Domestic Violence Summit.

The Light of Hope 5K Run/Walk will kick off the month on Saturday.

“The Light of Hope is intended to increase awareness about the issues of sexual and domestic violence as well as child abuse and neglect,” said Lori Moore, community relations director for SOS. “It will also raise critically needed funds to support SOS programs: Child Advocacy Center, Child Visitation & Exchange Center, CASA, intervention services, prevention programs, rural outreach and ESU sexual assault education.”

The sixth annual Domestic Violence Summit will be from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 16 and 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at Potter Beath Activity Center, 2921 W. 24th Ave. This year’s theme is “Becoming a Part of the Solution.” The public is invited to attend the event to learn how men and women can work together to make the community a safer place to live and work.

Ted Bunch, co-founder of A Call to Men, will speak at the event.

“The focus of A Call to Men is to involve community members who have a vested interest in the health and well-being of our community in finding ways to eradicate interpersonal violence,” Moore said in a press release. “A Call to Men has gained recognition as one of the leading national men’s organization to addressing men’s violence against women, while maintaining strong connections to women’s organizations already doing this important work.”

Bunch will speak about becoming a part of the solution and will speak about behavior patterns of abusers is supported by communities.

Registration deadline for the Summit is Oct. 9. Registration fee is $25 for those located outside of the SOS service area of Chase, Coffey, Greenwood, Lyon, Morris and Osage counties.

Brochures with a registration form for the 5K Run/Walk and the Summit are available at the SOS web site http:www.soskansas.com. For more information about activities or to register, call 343-8799.