August 31, 2009

How DV Victims Are Getting Help In Area Emergency Rooms is the topic for the Tuesday, Sept. 1 Lunch & Learn. Sherry Barnes, director of the forensic medicine program will be the speaker.
The brown bag luncheon is from 12:30 - 1:30 pm in the Education Center at St. Peter's Catholic Church, 507 S. Tryon St. The meeting place is in the basement of the Food Court, closer to College St.

Domestic violence is a health care issue.The U.S. Department of Justice found that current or former intimate partners hurt 37 percent of the women treated in emergency rooms for violent injuries. The workshop will focus on recognizing and responding to victims in the clinical setting, including how to assess for domestic violence victimization and strategies for safely responding to victims. It will also give tips on gathering evidence to help present a stronger case to the courts, as well as other ways victims are receiving help in Charlotte area emergency rooms.

Validated parking is available at the On-The Green parking garage on S. Tryon St, between Second and Stonewall Sts. If no guest spaces are free, park on the lower levels in any of the non-staff St. Peter's Church spaces.

The free seminars on the first Tuesday of the month are open to the public and organized by the Domestic Violence Advocacy Council which includes the Mecklenburg County Women's Commission, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, and other businesses and civic groups. For more information on this series and other events, go to http://dvac.charmeck.org or call 704.432.1568.

Media Contact
Michael Sexton
704.432.1568 - O
704.900.9346 - M
Michael.Sexton@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov