Ceil Bridges, director of alumni relations, stands with three shirts she designed in honor of Julie Hartsfield and her daughter and granddaughter, Dana and Autumn. The shirts were part of the Clothesline Project, a traveling exhibit that raises awareness for domestic abuse. The exhibit was recently on display on the SAU Mall as part of Domestic Violence Awareness month.
The Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences at Southern Arkansas University is bringing attention to a topic that touches many families across our community and nation as it recognizes October as Domestic Violence Awareness month.
On Friday, October 17, the department will host two speakers on the topic of domestic violence. Rebecca Ojeman, J.D., will present a two phase talk from 8:30-10:45 a.m. on the topic “Domestic Violence: Understanding the Victim and Effective Documentation in Criminal Cases” and “Strangulation: Recognizing and Reporting.” Strangulation occurs often in domestic violence cases.
Ojeman’s talk will discuss recognizing signs, the importance of documentation, and how both impact successful prosecution. Certificates will be available to document two hours of continuing education.
Rebecca Bennett, education coordinator from the Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence will speak from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on the topic “The Intersection of Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, and Stalking on the College Campus.” Bennett is law enforcement certified, and law enforcement officers who attend will receive 1.5 hours of training credit through the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy.
The Arkansas Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers will provide morning refreshments. The events are free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Office of Continuing Education at (870) 235-4006.
Earlier this month, the Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences hosted The Clothesline Project on the campus mall. The Clothesline Project is designed to bring awareness to the issue through t-shirts decorated in memory of those who have been victims of domestic violence.
