GREAT FALLS – Many people face problems like domestic violence, child abuse, human trafficking and drug addictions. However, countless citizens are unaware of how serious these issues are within our own community.
NoMore Violence Week, which will be held April 2-6, aims to spread awareness of these issues and coordinate efforts within the community to find solutions.
“The more informed people are and the more aware they are, the more we can work on prevention,” said Dr. Cherie McKeever, science instructor at Great Falls College MSU and founder and organizer of NoMore Violence Week.
Now in its fourth year, NoMore Violence Week offers five days of community presentations, workshops, symposiums and panel discussions, featuring action oriented, best practice approaches from national leaders such as AMEND, Illuminate Colorado, My Life My Choice and the Kempe Center. Continuing education credits are available for some presentations. All events are free and open to the public.
Since its inception, the conference has more than quadrupled in size and attendance. Last year’s conference drew more than 1300 people for the week. This year a new nonprofit, Partnering for Prevention, formed to oversee the long-term growth and sustainability of NoMore Violence Week. However, the week-long event remains a community effort. More than 20 different community-based and government organizations that focus on issues ranging from child abuse to health to education contribute time and expertise into the conference.
The week serves as a great opportunity for community organizations to come together.
“This conference is unique for Montana in both its scope and depth. The networking that has gone on in the past has been phenomenal,” McKeever said. “It’s amazing what can be accomplished when you get people together with a common purpose.”
Some highlights of this year’s NoMore Violence Week include a keynote address by Montana Attorney General Tim Fox. Shan Foster, former NBA player and Director of Nashville’s AMEND Together, will discuss men’s role in ending violence against women. This program is developed by men for men of all ages. Illuminate Colorado will give a presentation on overcoming barriers to protect children from sexual abuse. My Life My Choice, a Boston-based survivor led organization will give a presentation on an effective community response to address and prevent human trafficking. Dr. Kathryn Wells of the Kempe Center in Colorado will discuss drug-endangered children.
Special break-out sessions throughout the week will focus on more in-depth training for specific groups such as school counselors, law enforcement, healthcare workers and others.
For more information or to see the full schedule of events visit www.facebook.com/NoMoreViolenceGreatFalls.
