Forsyth Domestic Violence Forum is Sept. 17

The Forsyth County Domestic Violence Task Force is holding a forum on Sept. 17 to discuss the various ways domestic violence affects the county and to think of new strategies to combat domestic violence.

An itinerary posted on 11 Alive’s website says that the three hour event begins at 9 a.m. at Lanier Tech Forsyth Conference Center in Cumming with an opening statement by Millie Irizarry, the executive director of Forsyth Family Haven. The first hour of the event will feature several short presentations outlining domestic violence and related issues such as children exposed to domestic violence, teen dating violence, barriers to accessing services, and the importance of support networks.

Greg Loughlin, who is the executive director of the Georgia Commission on Family Violence, will take the stage at 9:50 a.m. to discuss House Bill 911, which was recently signed into law by Gov. Nathan Deal and makes strangulation assault a felony offense.

Following Loughlin’s presentation, attendees will participate in a one hour long breakout session to discuss what they just learned and to brainstorm new and creative approaches to tackle domestic violence and its harmful trickle-down effect on families, children, and the community at large.

After a short break, event attendees will spend the next hour sharing the recommendations they brainstormed during the breakout session. A closing speech will be made by ‎Forsyth County Solicitor-General Donna Gopaul.

Admission to the event is free, but only seven of the original 50 seats currently remain. If you are interested in attending the event, please register here.