The Criminal Justice Society, a student-based community service organization at Clarion University-Venango Campus, will host its first Domestic Violence Symposium from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Robert W. Rhoades Auditorium at the Venango Campus. The symposium is open to Clarion University students, faculty and staff.
Two highly regarded domestic violence specialists, Dr. Keith Bell, assistant professor of criminal justice at West Liberty State University, and Dr. Larry Driscoll, director and associate professor of criminal justice at Wheeling Jesuit University, will speak on the growing epidemic of domestic violence throughout our region of the country.
Bell will define and discuss domestic violence and how it has impacted Pennsylvania. He will discuss the growing problem of domestic violence on college campuses throughout the United States.
Driscoll will present a different side of domestic violence through his studies of both false accusations and society’s systematic failure to assist actual victims in crisis. A certified martial arts instructor for more than 30 years, he will lead a basic self-defense demonstration at 11:30 a.m. in the gymnasium.
Marla Harp, a student counselor, along with Venango Campus Safety Officer Dave Wilson, will offer information about domestic violence services relative to both Clarion campuses.
A representative from Venango County PPC (Prevent, Protect and Change) Violence Free Network will provide information regarding the various programs available in this area for victims of domestic violence.
“We must strive to educate and inform all members of our community so that we can begin to deal with this harmful behavior,” said Dr. Paul Klenowski, CJS advisor, assistant professor and director of Clarion’s criminal justice program.
CJS will sell domestic violence awareness T-shirts with the slogan, “Get Involved, Save a Life” for $15 at the event. Proceeds will benefit Venango County’s PPC Violence Free Network. CJS hopes to make the symposium an annual event with activities at both the Venango and Clarion campuses.
Presentations are scheduled as follows:
- 10 a.m., welcome and introduction
- 10:15 a.m., Bell presents research
- 11:30 a.m., Driscoll self-defense demonstration in Rhoades
- 12:15 p.m., lunch in Rhoades gymnasium
- 1 p.m., Driscoll presents research
- 2 p.m., PPC overview of community services
- 2:30 p.m., Wilson and Harp, domestic violence services
- 3 p.m., closing
CJS is committed to providing students the opportunity to work with the community using positive reinforcement to strengthen its members’ knowledge of the criminal justice system and prepare students for their careers. CJS is committed to public service and meeting the needs of Clarion University’s educational service area and Pennsylvania. The criminal justice core curriculum provides the foundation for competencies necessary to succeed in the criminal justice profession and in society.