School of Social Work to Host 'Keeping Families Safe-Community Dialogue Day'

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The School of Social Work and the African and the African American Studies Program will host a one-day discussion series titled "Keeping Families Safe-Community Dialogue Day" from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 2, at the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce Meeting Room.

The event is the second part of a research project designed to explore African Americans' perceptions of domestic violence in northwest Arkansas.  Discussion topics will include barriers to, challenges with, needs of, access to and use of services to reduce domestic violence in African American families.

The first part of the research project explored perceptions on domestic violence through focus groups with diverse groups of African American community members. Results from the project will be shared at Community Dialogue Day.

Based on the project results, event attendees will break into groups of five to develop creative strategies and campaigns to facilitate a reduction in the incidence of domestic violence, heighten awareness of the issue, educate the public and reduce barriers and challenges to service utilization.  A facilitator will be assigned to each group to answer questions and clarify guidelines. Panelists with expertise in violence prevention and marketing and promotion strategies will judge each campaign on specific criteria.  The team that produces the best campaign will win a $5,000 startup fund to support the implementation of the strategy.

In addition to meaningful discussions about domestic violence, the event will also include free breakfast and lunch, free raffles, an inspirational speaker and other prizes and surprises.

The panel of judges include Teresa Mills, executive director of Peace at Home Family Shelter; Yvette Murphy-Erby, professor of social work and associate dean of the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences; and Lucy Brown, clinical assistant professor in the Walter J. Lemke Department of Journalism. University of Arkansas student and spoken word artist Jzade Forte will present an inspirational piece on domestic violence. 

The free event is open to the public and sponsored by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Children's Safety Center, the Northwest Arkansas Community Correction Center, the Northwest Arkansas Rape Crisis Center, the Northwest Arkansas Women's Shelter, Peace at Home and the Yvonne Richardson Community Center.  Funding is provided by the University of Arkansas Bernice Jones Endowed Chair in Community.