October 13, 2015

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SEMINAR AIMS TO EDUCATE, INCREASE AWARENESS 

Contact:Tiffani McDaniel, Public Information Officer
Media Desk: 407-665-3374 and 321-200-7805

Sanford, Fla.– In observance of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County (DOH-Seminole) will host a “Domestic Violence is Your Business” Lunch & Learn. Attendees will receive information about how to identify employees affected by domestic violence and tools to promote safety within the workplace.

The free event will take place on Friday, October 16, 2015 from noon to 1 p.m. in DOH-Seminole’s Auditorium, 400 West Airport Boulevard, Sanford, Florida. Guest speakers include Dwayne Harris, Investigator with Seminole County Sherriff’s Office; Angela Antoniou, Victim Witness Counselor with State Attorney’s Office; and Michael Cortes, Private Attorney with Cortes Family Law. Light refreshments will be provided by Rhonda Baker with Excellent Life Design. To register, contact Stephanie Fyock at 407-665-3011.

"Domestic violence is a serious, preventable public health problem that affects millions of Americans,” said Stephanie Fyock, Health Educator Consultant for DOH-Seminole. “This event will provide education and awareness so that employers can be proactive in protecting their employees from domestic violence in the workplace."

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month was established in October 1981 to connect advocates across the nation who worked to end violence against women and their children. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, nearly three in ten women (29%) and one in ten men (10%) in the United States have experienced rape, physical violence and/or stalking by a partner. In 2014, there were approximately 2,313 domestic violence offenses in Seminole County

“National Domestic Violence Awareness Month provides the opportunity to focus efforts on increasing awareness and preventing domestic violence in our community,” said Dr. Swannie Jett, Health Officer for DOH-Seminole. “A key strategy in preventing domestic violence is the promotion of respectful, nonviolent relationships through individual, relationship, community, and societal level change.”

Need help? Know someone who does? Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or use the online chat service. You will be connected to a skilled, trained counselor. Both methods are free and confidential. For more information visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline website.

Visit seminolecohealth.com for more information. The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

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