Las Vegas event aims to raise awareness about domestic violence
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and it will be remembered through a preventative event Saturday at the West Las Vegas Arts Center.
The city of Las Vegas, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District have put together S.T.O.M.P, an event focused on “standing together opposing misuse of power.”
From noon to 4 p.m., the free event for ages 10 and up will feature local shelters and other providers for an open discussion to share experiences, a panel discussion and a keynote speaker.
Sheldon Jacobs, youth and adult intervention specialist for Clark County, said a lot of the panel will focus on how to handle situations when someone comes to you.
“Domestic violence is a huge problem in the valley that only appears to be getting worse,” Jacobs said. “We want to provide the tools and let them (victims) know they’re not alone in this.”
The awareness event will also include interactive workshops, such as how to report abuse, signs of physical and verbal abuse, signs of mental and emotional abuse, abuse using social media, dating abuse, de-escalating a tense situation and a special men’s group on why domestic violence continues to happen.
“Every situation is different, ultimately,” Jacobs said. “Sometimes it comes down to just coming up with a safety plan and recognizing the warning signs.”
Contact Briana Erickson at berickson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5244. Follow @brianarerick on Twitter.
