Domestic Violence Workshops in May
People who are deaf or hard of hearing residing in Douglas and Sarpy County, as well as professionals serving this population, are invited to attend domestic violence workshops slated for May.
The first workshop, which is titled “Working with Deaf Victims of Domestic Violence,” will be held on May 16, and it is free for professionals in Douglas and Sarpy County serving people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Those who should attend this workshop include professionals involved with abuse shelters, crisis centers, domestic violence/sexual assault programs and human service agencies. The workshop will be held from 1-4 p.m. at the Omaha Association of the Deaf Hall, which is located at 4050 Hillsdale Ave.
The featured presenter at the May 16 workshop is Marilyn Smith, executive director and founder of Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services in Seattle. Sign language interpreters will be provided during the event, so anyone can attend.
To attend the domestic violence workshop for professionals, register by May 9 to NCDHH Mental Health Specialist Peggy Williams by calling 402-471-3593 or e-mailing peggy.williams@ncdhh.ne.gov.
The second workshop is geared for members of the Deaf community, and it will be held Saturday, May 17, in Room 311 of the Lied Learning & Technology Center, which is situated at 425 N. 30th St. The title of the workshop is “Domestic Violence and the Deaf Community: What are My Responsibilities?” and it also features Marilyn Smith.
The schedule for the May 17 event begins with a lunch at noon, which is followed by the workshop from 1-4 p.m. Interpreters will be made available upon request.
There is no cost to participate in the workshop, but those attending must reside in Douglas or Sarpy County and register by May 9 to Patti Reitz. Reitz can be reached by e-mailing preitz41@hotmail.com.
Both workshops are funded in part by The Enrichment Foundation and sponsored by the Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the Lied Learning & Technology Center.