In recognition of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the offices of District Attorney Peter J. Skandalakis of the Coweta Judicial Circuit and Coweta County Solicitor General Sandy Wisenbaker will host a Domestic Violence Symposium and Resource Fair Saturday, Oct. 3, from 9 a.m. until noon at the Asa Powell Expo Center behind Waffle House on Temple Avenue.
“Domestic Violence Hurts Everyone” is the theme of this event, and plans are for Skandalakis to offer opening remarks and for Wisenbaker to offer closing remarks.
The lineup that day will include:
Maureen Coates of Community Welcome House, whose topic will be “Why doesn’t she leave?”
Pastor Rush Wyatt of Westside Church of Christ, speaking on “How the Church Can Help.”
A 20-minute video on “Family Secrets: When Violence Hits Home.”
Juvenile Court Judge Joe Wyant, who will share his experience as both a Magistrate and Juvenile Judge.
Investigator Jon McIntyre of the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office.
Dr. Pamela Clanton of Piedmont Newnan Hospital, who will discuss physical effects of domestic violence and her experience with victims.
Dr. Megan Boyd of Grace Harbour. who will discuss the psychological dynamic and effects of abuse.
John Herbert Cranford, a Coweta County assistant district attorney, is helping with the event and noted, “Domestic violence has no socioeconomic boundaries.” He said the problem can be found in well-to-do families as well as those in poverty, and the symposium is designed to raise awareness of domestic violence everywhere.
Also at the event, tables will be set up with information on support organizations such as the Coweta Community Foundation, Community Welcome House, Grace Harbour and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).
Local churches are being asked to help spread the word about the symposium, and Cranford said that “average citizens” are encouraged to attend as well.
Coffee and doughnuts will be served prior to the event by the Coweta Community Foundation.
“We decided to step in and help since this event benefits the entire community,” said Ginger Jackson Queener, board chair. “As we can see from the variety of speakers planned for that day, domestic violence unfortunately touches all segments of our community.”
For more information, call 770-254-2646 or 770-254-7300.
