October 2009
The Board of County Commissioners of Palm Beach County has proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Oct. 1 marks the beginning of this special month to focus on a community-based response to reduce the impact of violence on families. Florida reported more than 113,123 incidents of domestic violence in 2008, including 12 homicides. More than half of the households where domestic violence occurs have a child under the age of 12.
The Domestic Violence Council of Palm Beach County coordinates efforts among victim service providers, community-based agencies, law enforcement and the court system to enhance services for all persons affected by family violence. The council promotes awareness regarding domestic violence through community education, and has planned a full month of activities. The public is encouraged to join in its efforts to reduce domestic violence.
Special events will be held from Oct. 1 through Oct. 30 and include the opening ceremony, training workshops, a 5K Run/Walk and a “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” event. Special ceremonies are also being held to honor victims and surviving family members who have suffered from the effects of domestic violence. All events are open to the public and free of charge (unless otherwise noted.)
Members of the Domestic Violence Council include Palm Beach County Victim Services, Office of the State Attorney, Office of the Attorney General, Home Safe/Safety Net, shelters, batterers intervention programs, law enforcement, Center for Family Services, Clerk & Comptroller, Florida Department of Children and Families, Kids in Distress, Legal Aid Society & Coalition for Independent Living Options and Children’s Services Council.
October 2009 Domestice Violence Awareness Month Events
All events are open to the public and free of charge (unless otherwise noted).
1st - Opening Ceremony, 9 - 11 a.m.
Main Courthouse, Courtroom 11A, 205 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
RSVP required by Sept. 24, 2009.
Contact: Karen Goldberg at (561) 624-6648
The DV Council will sponsor a breakfast that will start at 8:30 a.m. during the opening ceremony for DV Awareness Month. Keynote speaker: Dr. Daniel Man. The Barry Krischer/DV Council Scholarship will be awarded.
2nd - Health and Wellness Fair, 1 - 4 p.m.
Old Wellington Mall, 12794 W Forest Hill Blvd, Wellington, FL 33414
Contact: Gloria Richardson at (561) 279-2080
The Health and Wellness Fair will provide opportunities for our community to interact with local health, nutrition, fitness and recovery providers.
10th - AVDA 5K Run/Walk by the Sea, 6:30 a.m.
Anchor Park (A1A), Delray Beach
Contact: Katie Fallon at (561) 265-3797 ext.118. www.avdaonline.org
AVDA’s annual event benefiting their 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, transitional housing and educational programs.
11th - “La Familia y La Salud” 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
St John Fisher Catholic Church, 4001 N. Shore Dr., West Palm Beach, FL 33407-3598
Contact: Marlene Rivera at (561) 383-9800 ext. 1241
The Latino community will receive information on healthy relationships, prevention/intervention on DV, signs of drug/alcohol abuse, health education, immigration and community services. Refreshments will be served.
15th - Florida Resource Center for Women and Children, 1 - 3 p.m.
Domestic and Dating Violence Event, at PBCC (Central) Lake Worth Campus
Contact: Jane Wagley at (561) 848-8383. www.frcwc.com
Guest speakers, survivors speak out, honoring victims. Refreshments will be served.
16th - A Celebration of Life, 10 a.m. - noon
Mounts Botanical Garden Pavilion, 531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL 33415
Contact: Carol Messam-Gordon at (561) 624-6648
Ceremony will honor DV victims and their surviving familes and a rosebush will be planted in honor of victims. Continental breakfast will be served.
16th - “An Tou Mete Tet Nou Asanm Pou-N Kombat Vyolans Domestik” (Collaborting to End Domestic Violence), 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
United Way of PBC, 2600 Quantum Blvd., Boynton Beach, FL 33426
Contact: Lydia Laurore, YWCA, at (561) 640-0050, ext. 127
A forum of providers will be available to answer any questions from the Haitian community.
16th - Training: Stop Signs - Recognize the Signs of Abuse/Typology of Batterers, 9 a.m. - noon.
South University, 1760 North Congress Ave., West Palm Beach, FL 33409
Contact: Darlene Silvernail at (561) 642-3103
This training will cover facts on intimate partner violence and HIV/AIDS, high risk tactics, system barriers and advocacy. CEU’s available to licensed clinicians.
19th - PBSO Training: “Fit for Duty” Workshop for Professionals, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Presented by Marla Galindez and Sgt. Stanley Bullard
PBSO, 3228 Gun Club Road, Classroom A, West Palm Beach, FL 33415
RSVP: Marla Galindez at (561) 688-4195
Enhancing your longevity through health and fitness workshop for local professionals and service providers. Wear comfortable clothes as the last hour will involve dance aerobics. Space is limited to 50 participants.
21st - Training: Working with Victims of Domestic Violence with Disabilities, 2 - 4 p.m.
United Way of PBC, 2600 Quantum Blvd., Boynton Beach, FL 33426
Contact: Brandy Macaluso at (561) 966-4288 ext. 118 or bmac@cilo.org
Registration is required; space is limited to 25 participants.
A training for professionals on the challenges of advocacy associated with domestic violence and the accommodations and sensitivity needed when assisting victims with disabilities. Trainers: Brandy Macaluso and Marlene Mahanes.
23rd - Walk A Mile in Her Shoes Event, 4:30 - 6 p.m.
Clematis Street/downtown West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Contact: Jeannie Hoban at (561) 779-9453 or Jennifer Rey at (561) 265-3797 ext. 110
Everyone is welcome to join the walk. Local officials, community leaders, business members, faith-based communities, fathers and husbands will participate in the walk. Registration fee is $10, student rate is $5. Cost for teams of six or more is $50. Pain-free/blister-free registrations are welcome; this will allow someone else to walk in your place.
28th - “Juntas Podemos” (Together We Can), 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Caridad Clinic, 8645 West Boynton Beach Blvd., Boynton Beach, FL 33472
Contact: Felicia Del Valle at (561) 640-0050, ext. 122
An informational fair for the Hispanic community.
30th - DCF Domestic Violence Retreat, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Children’s Services Council of PBC, 2300 High Ridge Rd. Boynton Beach, FL 33426
Contact: Bryan Lindert, CSC, at (561) 703-2192 or bryan.lindert@cscpbc.org
A retreat for professionals in the community working with domestic violence cases. Results from DCF’s case review will be highlighted and actions steps to move forward as a coordinated community response will be discussed.
30th - DV Council Reception, 5 - 8 p.m.
Blue Martini, 550 South Rosemary Ave. #249, City Place, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Contact: Mary Cauthen at (561) 640-0050, ext. 139
A get together for all DV Council members to celebrate all their hard work throughout the month of October and throughout the year!
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