Conference on Abusive Relationships
Christina Knowles is a UMass senior and has organized an informational conference on relationship abuse for her Commonwealth College senior thesis project. Question and Answer sections to be held after each segment. Come for all or part of the day--everyone is welcome, admission free. Co-sponsored by Everywoman's Center, Men's Resource Center, and SafePassage.
9 am
Opening Remarks, Christina Knowles
9:15-10 am
"My Boyfriend's Been Really Mean to Me, but I'm Not Sure He's Abusive": Defining and Explaining Relationship Abuse.
Speaker:
Yoko Kato, International Speaker/Advocate on Domestic Violence
10:15-11:30 PANEL
"It's So Hard to Leave": Where to Go, What to Do: Options in Seeking Help
Speaker: Ruth Trujillo, Director of Programs, SafePassage Northampton
"Everyone Thinks I'm Overreacting": Learning the Seriousness of Abuse and that It's Not Your Fault.
Speaker: La Wanza Lett-Brewington, Community Ed Director, Everywoman's Center
"How Can I Ever Trust Again?" Healing and Rebuilding Lives after Relationship Abuse
Speaker: Tanya Kachwaha, Teen Education Specialist, Everywoman's Center
11:30-12:30: lunch break
12:30-1:30
"Will Anyone Believe Me?" Obstacles in Seeking Help within the Legal System and Society
Speaker: Mary Kociela, Director of Domestic Violence Projects, Northwestern District Attorney's Office
1:45-2:15:
"The Men Who Abuse": Who They Are, Why They Abuse, and Can They Change
Speaker: Russell Bradbury-Carlin, Director of MOVE Program, Men's Resource Center
2:15-2:30 Closing Remarks