Contact: Chris Chesrown
Media Relations Manager
480-731-8503

For Immediate Release

MEN REFORMING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE TOPIC OF PUBLIC DISCUSSION
Center for Civic Participation co-hosts Arizona Issues Forum on April 9

Phoenix - On April 9, the Arizona Issues Forum will host its third public forum of the 2001-02 year, aimed at addressing issues facing the state of Arizona. "Domestic Violence - Where are the Men?" is the topic for this town-hall event at the Phoenix Public Library (Burton Barr) in the Pulliam Auditorium, 1221 N. Central Ave., beginning at 11:30 a.m. Open to the public, the discussion will focus on two topics: The severity of domestic violence as a social problem and why the participation of men is essential to end the cycle of violence.

Domestic violence is the number one violent crime in Arizona. Estimates are that one in three women will experience domestic violence sometime in her lifetime. Though often assumed as a "women's issue," the cycle of violence is a significant social problem that effects the community, demanding attention and prevention. Though many organizations exist to support victims of domestic violence, the Men's Anti-Violence Network (MAN) focuses on the prevention and accountability of abusers through public awareness, support programs and education programs that target offenders.

To frame the issue, the Keynote speaker is Andy Federhar, attorney and partner with Fennemore Craig and co-chair of the Men's Anti-Violence Network (MAN). Confirmed panelists are Carl Mangold, MSW, CISW, CSAC, a local authority on domestic violence, and John Pombier, deputy general counsel to Governor Jane Dee Hull. KPHO-TV 5 anchors Cary Pfeffer, Diana Sullivan and Wayne Garcia will moderate.

"The issue of domestic violence is critical," according to the Chancellor of the Maricopa Community Colleges Dr. Fred Gaskin. "If we can help promote understanding and work toward solutions to community issues, then our role in co-sponsoring the Arizona Issues Forum has been successful."

"Domestic violence impacts the entire community. Some may directly experience violence, while others may witness or be an abuser at some point in their life," began Bob Furlong, KPHO-TV 5's Vice President & General Manager. "Therefore, we must call attention to the issue from every angle and offer resources for prevention and change."

Arizona Issues Forum is a community partnership between the Maricopa Community Colleges Center for Civic Participation and KPHO-TV 5, which seeks to convene the community for thoughtful discussion of important policy issues. This event is co-sponsored by The Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, the City of Phoenix and MAN.

This event is open to the public and includes a free box lunch. RSVP is requested by Friday, April 5 to (480) 517-8885 (Maricopa Community Colleges Center for Civic Participation).

The Maricopa County Community College District is one of the largest community college districts in the nation. It includes 10 colleges - Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Estrella Mountain Community College, GateWay Community College, Glendale Community College, Mesa Community College, Paradise Valley Community College, Phoenix College, Rio Salado College, Scottsdale Community College and South Mountain Community College. The District also includes the Maricopa Skill Center, Southwest Skill Center, several satellite campuses and business/industry, technical and customized training institutes and serves more than 277,000 students annually. For more information: 480-731-8000 or www.maricopa.edu

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March 13, 2002