By Alyssa Kelly
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - A significant number of children are exposed to
violence in their homes, schools and communities. On Tuesday, area
educators and social service professionals tackled some tough topics in a
two-day summit, including domestic and sexual violence.
The 7th annual educators’ summit is organized by the mayor’s office of
domestic and community violence prevention and welcomes more than 300
people.
“We really just wanted to expand the reach. For seven years, we have been
able to accomplish so much and we would watch this grow and really take
root in the community,” explains Emily Schmidt, the Engaging Men and Boys
project manager. “Again, that touch point with youth is so important and
if we can equip that staff that are working with them, we’re really going
to make a difference.”
Kelsey Hart with the Family Peace Center explains domestic and sexual
violence can occur to anyone at any time, and it is common, even among our
children.
“Domestic violence occurs in every precinct across the City of Rockford.
Research from Rockford Police Department shows that that is the truth,”
says Hart.
Hart says regardless of where kids come from, they can be experiencing
this type of violence and educators are on the front line.
“I don’t think we can underestimate the power of an educator in a child’s
life,” states Hart. “It just takes one supportive adult to support a kid
who is going through a traumatic experience.
The event also featured a resource hallway that had 15 different
organizations like Rockford Sexual Assault Counseling and The Family Peace
Center to give more information to those who attended.
