Understanding the Silence of Abuse

Health Ministries Association, an affiliate of Community of Christ, will offer a live online workshop “Speaking through the Silence: Addressing Issues of Domestic Violence” this Saturday, August 22.

Child, elder, and intimate partner abuse, plus sexual assault will be covered by speakers—experts in those fields—during a Zoom conference.
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Registration is $25.00. Those attending choose one morning topic (child abuse or elder abuse) and one afternoon topic (intimate partner abuse or sexual abuse/assault). All enrolled attend opening and closing speeches. This event is open to the public, with a specific invitation to health professionals and ministers/chaplains. 

register here

Keynote speaker Catherine Vannier will cover the facets of domestic violence and highlight the challenges of investigating and prosecuting those crimes. Vannier will offer strategies for working with victims seeking safety and care while holding offenders accountable. Vannier is with the Missouri Office of Prosecution Services.

Each topic has two sessions. In the first causes, symptoms, and recognition will be covered. In the second the topics are treatment, outcomes, and resources.

• Kara LaTessa and Heidi Olson, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program managers at Children’s Mercy Hospital, will discuss child abuse.
• Judy Gibbs is assistant prosecutor for the city of Kansas City and chair of the KC Elder Abuse Task Force.
  Whitney Francis of Rose Brooks Center will address intimate partner abuse. 
• Jennifer Green, sexual assault nurse examiner/clinical forensic care manager with St. Luke's Health System will talk on sexual abuse and assault/rape. 

Katie Harmon McLaughlin of Community of Christ’s Spiritual Formation Ministries will close the day’s events with "Hearing Silenced Voices: Spiritual Companionship in Violence and Trauma." Workshop participants have an opportunity to reflect on experiences of the day and process spiritual implications for their lives and communities.

Health Ministries Association is an organization within the church of health professionals and others passionate about health and spirituality in the US and other countries. The organization promotes wholeness of body, mind, and spirit.

Click here for more information on “Speaking through the Silence: Addressing Issues of Domestic Violence."