Domestic Violence Coalition prepares
For Sixth Annual Conference at TAMIU October 3 & 4

The Domestic Violence Coalition prepares for its Sixth Annual Domestic Violence Conference at Texas A&M International University October 3 and 4.
This year's focus on domestic violence is marked by the presence of Silent Witnesses, eight life-sized wooden silhouettes commemorating the life of each of eight Laredo women murdered by their intimate male partners between 1994 and 2002. Painted red and bearing the story of the women they represent, the Silent Witnesses will be unveiled Friday, September 27, at 10 a.m. outside the Webb County Courthouse.
Following four tracks of issues -- law enforcement, health professionals, legal professionals, and teens -- the October 3 and 4 conference offers a broad range of domestic violence topics, not only for professionals who deal with victims of domestic violence, but also for victims of domestic violence, students, social workers, clergy, educators, and anyone wanting to learn more about the "quiet crime" that destroys families.
The stated objectives of the conference are to encourage a collaborative response to domestic violence issues by identifying domestic violence as a major public health issue, analyzing it from a victim's perspective, discussing sensitive approaches for response, and offering victims and their families a comprehensive service network of counseling services, social services, community education, and referral that advocates for the victim, the abuser, and the family.
Cuquis Gonzalez and Lupita Benavides will present the four women's track topics. Among the law enforcement track speakers and their topics are Sgt. Andrea Perez of the Dallas Police Department speaking on Identifying the Predominant Aggressor, Multicultural Training, and Report Writing; and Cyndi Dyer of the Dallas District Attorney's Office on Family Violence Prosecution.
Health professional track speakers include Rose Hernandez of the Texas Council on Family Violence speaking on the Health Impact of Domestic Violence and Aftermath of Trauma; and Sharon L. Walker of the Texas Council on Family Violence speaking on Improved Health Care Response on Family Violence and Psychological and Emotional Impact of Domestic Violence.
Among the legal professionals addressing the conference are Sue T. Bench of the St. Mary's University School of Law speaking on Maintaining Ethics While Working with Domestic Violence; Lee Teran of St. Mary's University School of Law speaking on Immigration Issues; immigration attorney Anne Monahan speaking on preparing a VAWA application; and Dayla S. Pepi of St. Mary's University School of Law speaking on Issues in Family Law Relating to Battered Immigrant Women.
Teen Time Track speakers include José L. Gutierrez of Communities in Schools; Rick Flores of the Webb District Attorney's Office; and Viky García of Texas A&M International University.
Other speakers include Ana María Canseco of Univision's Despierta America, Roseanna Kalley, and Webb County District Attorney Joe Rubio.
For further information on the conference, call Elia Solis at 724-1876; Gloria Jackson at 718-0297; Lynne Nava at 724-5553; Alda Rendon at 725-7745; Laura Forno Diaz at 712-9591; or Rick Flores at 523-4900.