State Attorney R.J. Larizza will be one of many presenters at the 2012 Circuit 7 Domestic Violence Summit on March 23. The day-long summit takes place at Calvary Christian Center, 1687 W. Granada Blvd, in Ormond Beach, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The workshop is designed to better prepare law enforcement officers, prosecutors and other community agency representatives who work in the field of domestic violence with investigating and prosecuting domestic violence cases. It is primarily for law enforcement and social agencies. Because the event is already three-quarters full, members of the general public will not be able to register.
Larizza and Assistant State Attorney Michele Simonsen will be part of the Effective Investigations/Evidence for Court workshop. “Domestic violence crimes are increasing as overall crime statistics are decreasing,” Larizza said. “This training is a proactive effort to address all of the consequences and issues characteristic of domestic violence cases. I am excited about the training and I am proud of the multi-disciplinary participation in the event.” Larizza and Simonsen will explore evidence-gathering and legal issues in the context of what factors or evidence strengthen a case that can lead to successful prosecution in court.
Other scheduled presenters include: Cheryl Fuller, Chief Executive Officer for the Domestic Abuse Council, Inc.; Darlene Wolfson, Director of Programs for the Domestic Abuse Council, Inc.; and Pamela E. Aeppel, Program Coordinator with impact, a training and consultation program with USF under the USF Training Cosortium.
Attendance is free for law enforcement, child welfare professionals, social work and domestic abuse professionals. Refreshments and lunch will be provided. To assist organizers in preparation and planning for the event, registration is recommended by registering online at www.communitypartnershipforchildren.org or by calling 386-254-3796.
There is no cost. Registration and coffee will begin from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m., followed by opening remarks and introductions. Approximately 200 people are expected to attend.
Domestic Violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior perpetrated by an intimate partner against another. It is an epidemic affecting individuals in every community, regardless of age, economic status, race, religion, nationality or educational background. Violence against women is often accompanied by emotionally abusive and controlling behavior, and thus is part of a systematic pattern of dominance and control. Domestic violence results in physical injury, psychological trauma, and sometimes death. The consequences of domestic violence can cross generations and truly last a lifetime.
The summit is co-sponsored by the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, St. John’s County Sheriff’s Office and Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
For further information contact:
Michele Simonsen
Assistant State Attorney
251 N. Ridgewood Ave.
Daytona Beach
(386) 239-7710, ext. 14740
Email: [email protected]
