For Immediate Release
October 22, 2009
Contact: Rick Liebel
Public Relations and Development Director
814 455-1774 Ext. 234
814 881-6530 cell
On Thursday, October 22, 2008 from 8:30-3:00pm at the Ambassador Conference Center, SafeNet will host its 13th Annual Medical Conference, which is sponsored by Hamot Medical Center, Mercyhurst College Department of Social Work, Saint Vincent Health Systems and the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic. According to Cynthia Murphy, Director of Medical Services at SafeNet, "This year's goal is to increase the awareness and enhance the skill set of participants when interacting with victims of intimate partner violence." Nurses, social workers, psychologists, teachers and other professionals who encounter and care for victims of intimate partner violence are encouraged to attend this conference. Again, as in the past several years, the Medical Conference has been sold out. This year's objectives of the medical conference is to assist participants to recognize abuse is not just a social, criminal justice problem or a women’s issue and also recognize how abuse leads to long term problems both mental and physical.
This years schedule and speakers are:
8:30-9:00 - Registration and Continental Breakfast
9:00-9:30 - Welcome and Introduction of Program
9:30-10:45 - “Insights From New Technology: Nature vs Nurture” -
David McCollum, MD
10:45-11:00 - Break
11:00-12:00 - “A View from the Front Lines”, Kathleen Dyabelko RN
12:00-1:00 - Lunch
1:00-2:30 – “The Stories They Tell- If Only We Would Listen”
2:30-3:00 - Questions and Answers
David McCollum received his medical degree from the University of Minnesota. He joined Physicians for a Violence Free Society in 1993 and later served on its Board of Directors. He served on the AMA National Advisory Council and a founding member of Academy on Violence and Abuse.
Kathleen Dybelko, RN joined forces with the PA Coalition against Domestic Violence (PACDV)in the aftermath of the brutal rape and murder of her only child. She has appeared before US Senate and House Judiciary Committees speaking out for safety reform.
Every 13 seconds in the United States, a victim is assaulted or beaten. Domestic abuse is a problem that affects thousands of people in our community, but it is often hidden behind closed doors. Your friend, neighbor, coworker or sibling could be suffering in silence, afraid to tell anyone for fear of retaliation from the abuser.
SafeNet is not a homeless shelter, but a safe and confidential place specifically for men, women and children who are victims of domestic violence. From every city and
township in the area, victims come to SafeNet seeking support, safety and shelter from physical abuse and threats of violence occurring at home. After more that 30 years of
providing shelter and many other supportive services, SafeNet knows first-hand that there is hope and there is help. SafeNet is Pennsylvania’s oldest continuous running
domestic violence shelter now in its 35th year serving the Erie community.
For interviews with SafeNet's, Executive Director or
any staff member of SafeNet, contact Rick Liebel, Public Relations and
Development Director at 455-1774 extension 234 or email at
rliebel@safeneterie.org.
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