This workshop will provide a comfortable place for honest conversation about the difficult topic of domestic violence. It will include information and resources dedicated to helping women find pathways out of suffering.

The workshop is free and open to the public. Registration is now closed (for more information, see below).

Date: Thursday, April 18
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Community Rooms of the HFC Welcome Center

What will happen at the workshop?

1. HFC President Russ Kavalhuna will begin by introducing Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, a national advocate for women and children.
(President Kavalhuna will depart after Congresswoman Dingell speaks)

2. Congresswoman Dingell will open the workshop.

Debbie Dingell
U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell is a national advocate for women and children.

3. The Keynote Speaker, who will follow Congresswoman Dingell, is Alice Jay, domestic violence, child abduction and human-trafficking survivor; author of "Out of the Darkness." Audience Q&A will follow.

4. Other speakers include Synthia Howard, a current student, and Mary Assel, retired director of HFC's English Language Institute and author of "Sprinkle of Dust: A Mother's Struggle with Loss and Healing." Audience Q&A of both speakers will follow when both speakers have concluded.

5. Concurrent sessions for women and men:

• Art therapy (women are invited to attend this session)
• Group conversation with HFC Counselors (men are invited to attend this session)

6. Lunch for all participants (Halal)

7. Closing session: Panel discussion (Audience Q&A will follow)

Features of the workshop:

• ASL Interpreters provided
• Community agency representatives and confidential resources will be available
• Snacks and hot lunch (Halal) are free for all participants

NOTE: We understand that domestic violence is not limited to women only. However, because women are disproportionately the targets of domestic violence, the focus of this half-day workshop is primarily on women's experiences. After the workshop, we will be publishing a list of resources about domestic violence prevention and survival, and these resources will be offered for anyone who suffers from the effects of domestic violence. Everyone is welcome to attend the workshop, regardless of gender.

Out of the Darkness Book Cover
Alice Jay, author of "Out of the Darkness," will be the keynote speaker.

Questions or further information: jgeffen@hfcc.edu

April 7: Registration for the workshop is full and has now closed. Please contact Joel Geffen if you want to be placed on the waitlist, jgeffen@hfcc.edu.