WASHINTON (October 15, 2012) – The Howard University School of Social Work and the DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence (DCCADV) will host a summit titled “Ending Domestic Violence in Washington, DC: A Public Conversation,” Tuesday, Oct.16, at 6 p.m. in the Howard University School of Social Work Auditorium. The event, which is free and open to the public, will focus on the state of domestic violence in the District of Columbia. This event is the first of a series of public conversations on domestic violence hosted by the DCCADV.

Special guests include Washington, D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray; Karma Cottman, executive director of the DCCADV; and Melissa Hook, director of the Mayor’s Office on Victim Services.

Roundtable participants include Elizabeth Olds, co-executive director of Survivors and Advocates for Empowerment; William Agosto, director of Domestic Violence Unit, DC Superior Court; Reverend Sakima Romero-Chandler of Turner Memorial AME Church and more

Dr. Tricia Bent-Goodley, professor and chair of the School of Social-Work and director of Campus Safety First Project, stressed the need for community awareness and collaboration.

“Domestic violence is increasing among teens in the District of Columbia,” said Dr. Bent-Goodley. “Now is the time for us to become informed and learn what we can do to address this issue.”

According to the DCCADV, over the last five years, domestic violence related calls to the Metropolitan Police Department have remained constant at over 30,000 annually.  Last year, a census of domestic violence organizations noted a 60 percent increase in the demand for services while resources have continued to be depleted. Most victim service agencies report government, foundation, and individual support continuing to decrease.
Responding to and ultimately preventing domestic violence in the District will require a multi-disciplinary and multi-dimensional approach. Government leaders must be engaged; however, community accountability is critical.

For more information, contact the DCCADV at 202-299-1181 or http://dccadv.org.

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. Since 1998, the University has produced two Rhodes Scholars, two Truman Scholars, a Marshall Scholar, 30 Fulbright Scholars and 11 Pickering Fellows. Howard also produces more on campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, call 202-238-2330, or visit the University's Web site at www.howard.edu.