CCADV to Celebrate 1-Year Anniversary on May 22
Community Coalition Against Domestic Violence to Celebrate 1-Year Anniversary
The Community Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) will celebrate its one-year anniversary at its next monthly meeting on Wednesday, May 22 from 6–8 p.m. at NNPD Headquarters. The guest speaker for the meeting will be NNPD Chief of Police Steve Drew, who will speak about the intersection between domestic violence and law enforcement.
The CCADV was inspired by Dr. Cheryl Chavers, NNPD’s Domestic Violence Specialist. The coalition brings together individuals from a range of backgrounds — including law enforcement, religious organizations, non-profit organizations, advocates, survivors of domestic violence and loved ones of survivors/victims — in a collaborative effort to fight domestic violence.
“Through my work, I noticed that for the most part, by the time police get involved, violence between intimate partners has already escalated to dangerous levels,” Dr. Chavers said. “The key to addressing this public safety issue, and where community members can make the greatest impact, is by being on the front lines of bringing awareness to domestic violence, and intentionally promoting principles of a healthy relationship within their circle of influence.”
The CCADV has met monthly over the past year. Each meeting allows members to share how their lives have been impacted by domestic violence, receive education to eradicate misconceptions about the problem, and share ways that each member promotes healthy relationships within their sphere of influence.
In the last year, CCADV members have taken the initiative to engage in individual projects that promote domestic violence awareness within the community. Some highlights include:
· CCADV members facilitated presentations about DV to the faith-based community
· CCADV members compiled a local domestic violence resource guide
· CCADV members promoted DV awareness on social media channels
· CCADV members networked and supported local DV non-profit organizations and community awareness events
· A CCADV member who is a teacher intentionally promotes healthy relationships with her young students on a daily basis
· A CCADV member wrote a DV prayer book and distributes it for free
· CCADV members from the Latino community created the Latino CCADV, to facilitate domestic violence outreach efforts specifically geared towards the Latino community
In addition to hearing from Chief Drew, the May 22 meeting will reflect on these and other milestones from the first year of the CCADV’s work. Media are welcome to attend.
Interested in learning more about the CCADV? Contact Dr. Chavers at (757) 928–4337 or chaversco@nnva.gov.
