Austin—May 26, 2009—The Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV) will host its first ever statewide family violence prevention conference entitled “Make It Real” from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., May 27-29 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 6121 N. IH-35 in Austin.

The “Make It Real” conference will focus on practices that stop violence before it begins using comprehensive, community-based approaches to change societal factors that allow violence to occur in the first place. The conference will give family violence practitioners an opportunity to connect and learn from one another’s experiences.

In addition to Texas participants, nine renowned family violence prevention leaders from across the country will conduct various interactive sessions on topics such as Building Community Alliances; Using the Arts in Prevention; Involving Men and Boys; Youth Leadership; and Fitting Prevention and Intervention Services Together. The RGK Foundation is sponsoring the event.

Despite the many family violence intervention programs in the state, Texas ranks second in call volume to the National Domestic Violence Hotline. A 2002 survey conducted by TCFV found that 74% of all Texans have either themselves, a family member and/or friend experienced some form of domestic violence. Statewide, in 2006, there were:

• 186,868 family violence incidents;
• 120 women killed by their intimate partner;
• 12,356 adults who received shelter from abusive relationships;
• 16,968 children who received shelter.

“Prevention programs designed to change community attitudes that tolerate family violence and increase knowledge of alternatives to violent behavior are fundamental to breaking the cycle of violence,” said Gloria Terry, TCFV President. “Sharing prevention methods and tools with other practitioners through this conference is a critical step toward that goal.”

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The Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV), formed in 1978, is one of the largest domestic violence coalitions in the nation. TCFV promotes safe and healthy relationships by supporting service providers, facilitating strategic prevention efforts, and creating opportunities for freedom from domestic violence.

Contact:
Patty Gonzales, Communications Manager
(512) 685-6366 (Office)
(512) 809-3729 (Cell)
pgonzales@tcfv.org