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Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence Hosting National Conference in Columbus, April 29 - May 1, 2009 - 'Innovation Through Collaboration'

"This conference offers participants a unique opportunity for professional development because it brings together experts from across the spectrum of our communities and provides education on strategies for collaborative prevention and intervention," said Coalition President Karen S. Days.

A highlight of the event will be the keynote address by award-winning actor, director and producer Blair Underwood, titled "Standing Together Against Family Violence." Underwood is a powerful spokesperson on important social issues, including family violence. His interest in family violence and commitment to supporting victims stems from his love for the women in his life: his mother, sisters, wife and daughter. Having played two roles as an abuser -- in the film Madea's Family Reunion and on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit -- has also given him an awareness of the issue and its impact on families and communities.

"We are honored to host this conference to help dedicated individuals continue their work breaking the cycle of violence in victims' lives," said Coalition Founder and Board Chair Abigail S. Wexner. She will introduce Underwood at the event.

Prominent local psychologist Dr. David Hayes is the conference's planning committee chair.

Conference attendees can select from more than 55 breakout sessions and master classes in addition to plenary presentations. Sessions will highlight promising practices, emerging issues and collaborative initiatives addressing family violence in communities.

    Topics include:
    -- A Technology Giveaway: Using Web-based Training to Address Domestic
       Violence & the Workplace
    -- Beyond the Obvious -- Dual Arrest
    -- Lighting the Way: Using Religious Teachings as Resources, Not
       Roadblocks, for Victims
    -- Trauma Informed Health Care for Victims of Family Violence: A Personal
       Perspective
    -- Why Does He Do That? The Profile and Tactics of Men Who Abuse Women
    -- Forensic Medical Evidence of Elder Abuse, Neglect & Domestic Violence
       in Later Life
    -- Teens & Technology: Victims of Violence in a Virtual World

The conference is drawing a wide range of family violence experts, including:

    -- Lundy Bancroft, nationally-recognized authority on domestic violence
       and Abuser Intervention Specialist
    -- Jacquelyn Campbell, PhD, RN, FAAN, Anna D. Wolf Chair and Professor of
       Nursing, Johns Hopkins University
    -- Jeffery Edleson, PhD, Professor and Director of the Minnesota Center
       Against Violence & Abuse, University of Minnesota
    -- The Reverend Dr. Marie Fortune, Founder and Senior Analyst, FaithTrust
       Institute
    -- Yvette McGee Brown, JD, President, Center for Child and Family
       Advocacy, Nationwide Children's Hospital
    -- Tony Porter, MPH, Co-Founder, A Call To Men, The National Association
       of Men and Women Committed to Ending Violence Against Women
    -- Robin Runge, JD, Director, American Bar Association Commission on
       Domestic Violence
    -- Gael Strack, JD, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, National
       Family Justice Center Alliance
    -- Kimberly Wells, MA, Executive Director, Corporate Alliance To End
       Partner Violence
    -- Lt. (Retired) Mark Wynn, Nashville Metropolitan Police Department

The conference fee is $375 until March 2, and $400 after March 2. A limited number of scholarships are available. Scholarship applications must be submitted by March 2. Full conference details, online registration and scholarship information is at http://www.ccafv.org/conference or by calling 614-273-1400.

Founded in 1998 by Abigail S. Wexner, the Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence is comprised of leaders from corporate, medical, law enforcement and social service agencies, as well as faith communities, in centralOhio committed to reforming systems to stop the cycle of violence in our community. Learn more at http://www.ccafv.org .

Contact: 614-221-2885, Stephanie Tresso x15, Miranda Terrill x22

              614-722-5985, Karen Days

SOURCE Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence