News Release
09/30/2008
Domestic Violence Month Events Announced
Attorney General Drew Edmondson, members of the law enforcement community and victim advocacy groups today announced a full slate of events set in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), which runs through the end of October.
“We are pleased to again be a part of a joint effort that brings the enormous problem of domestic violence into focus and that also celebrates the successes of survivors and service providers,” Edmondson said. “The events scheduled for DVAM are about honoring the fallen and taking steps to prevent future tragedies. That can only happen through a coordinated response, not only in October, but year-round.”
The following is a list of scheduled events:
Award for Excellence in Action Ceremony and Reading of the Governor’s Proclamation
Prosecutors, advocates and victims will gather to honor individuals who have provided assistance to victims of domestic violence at an award ceremony scheduled for 1:30 p.m., Oct. 1 in the State Capitol Blue Room. Awards will be presented to a prosecutor, a law enforcement officer, a victim advocate and a volunteer. Attorney General Edmondson will also read a governor’s proclamation issued in recognition of the month.
“Raising awareness about the issues surrounding domestic violence and remembering victims who have suffered is crucial,” said Suzanne McClain Atwood, Executive Coordinator, District Attorneys Council. “However, we must never forget to also acknowledge the sacrifices made by those who serve victims and hold domestic violence offenders accountable. These awards bring deserved statewide recognition to exceptional individuals whose daily acts of ongoing service often go unnoticed.”
“Cooking Domestic Violence out of the Kitchen” Chili Cook-Off
Advocacy groups from around the state will participate in a traditional chili cook-off. The event will be held Oct. 1 from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault headquarters, 3815 N. Santa Fe, Suite 116.
“This is an opportunity for Oklahomans to gather over a meal and celebrate success,” said Marcia Smith, Executive Director of OCADVSA. “We hope to renew awareness among the many professionals who work with victims statewide.”
2008 Partners’ Conference
On Oct. 15 and16, Oklahoma’s annual Domestic and Sexual Violence Conference will be held at the Oklahoma City Clarion Meridian Hotel and Convention Center. This conference brings together hundreds of victim advocates and survivors along with members of the law enforcement and medical communities in the hopes of fighting domestic and sexual violence in individual communities across Oklahoma. Registration is required and is available at https://www.regonline.com/PartnersForChange.
“Last year, more than 750 people attended this conference,” Edmondson said. “The agenda is the result of a collaborative effort by law enforcement officers, prosecutors and victim advocates. Fittingly, the conference focuses on coordinated community response to domestic violence and sexual assault. The conference is an opportunity for ideas to meet and solutions to be formed.”
Sponsors for the conference include the Attorney General’s Office, CASA, the Catholic Archdiocese, the Criminal Justice Resource Center, the Department of Corrections, the Department of Health, the District Attorneys Council, the Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (OCADVSA), the Regional Community Policy Institute and the U.S. Attorneys offices.
“Domestic Violence: Reach out. Lend a Hand.” Poster Project
For the fourth consecutive year, posters drawn by the state’s smallest victims of domestic violence will be on display in Oklahoma City. The posters, which were drawn by children who received services from a certified domestic violence service provider this year, will be on display through the end of October in the attorney general’s office lobby. The posters follow the theme “Domestic Violence: Reach out. Lend a Hand.” The project is being sponsored by Attorney General Edmondson, the Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police and the Oklahoma Sheriffs Association.
Third Annual Dinner for Delores
The third annual Dinner for Delores will be held from 6 to 9 p.m., Monday, Oct. 13 at Café 501, 501 S. Boulevard in Edmond. The dinner benefits the OCADVSA Delores Fund, which is used to assist victims as they attempt to leave a home where abuse is prevalent. The dinner features gourmet foods from around the world. Cost for the dinner is $50. Tickets, which are tax deductible, are available by calling Marcia Smith at (405) 524-0700 extension 12 or Carrie Bullard at (405) 409-4023.
“Victims rely on the Delores Fund to address their safety needs,” said Sheree Holloway, owner of Café 501. “The money raised at the Delores Dinner puts clothes on the backs of victims and provides food and shelter for their children as they attempt to escape the horror that is domestic violence. We are pleased to again sponsor this event.”
Capitol Dome Lighting Ceremony
On Oct. 15, the attorney general’s office will again partner with YWCA Oklahoma City to host the third annual capitol dome lighting ceremony. For one night only, the dome of the state capitol will be lit in purple, the color that represents domestic violence awareness. The lighting ceremony, which begins at 6:30 p.m., will feature performances by the choir from Villa Teresa School in Oklahoma City. Speakers include Edmondson, along with Janet L. Peery, Executive CEO of YWCA, Jim Cox, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police and Ken McNair, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Sheriffs Association. In case of rain, the ceremony will be held in the attorney general’s office lobby, 313 N.E. 21st Street.
“We hope that lighting the Capitol Dome in purple will help everyone remember that domestic violence hurts thousands of Oklahoma women and children each year,” said Peery, CEO of the YWCA, which operates the only certified shelter for battered women and children in Oklahoma County. “The sad fact is that Oklahoma is 4th in the nation for women killed by men. Lighting the Capitol Dome is a symbol of our hope for something different and better in our community.”
“Each year, victims, advocates, prosecutors and law enforcement officers come together to honor those affected by domestic violence and to talk about ways to better address this crisis in communities across the state,” Edmondson said. “This month’s events will serve as motivation and inspiration for those of us who face this crisis all year, every year.”