Local and national speakers will provide training and education for domestic violence and sexual assault advocates, service providers and professionals
Colorado Mesa University will host the two-day Intimate Partner Violence Awareness Conference (IPVAC) Apr. 17-18. Organized by the Mesa County Domestic Violence Task Force (MCDVTF) this event aims to reduce intimate partner violence in Mesa County. In addition to providing victim services and offender accountability, the MCDVTF has offered community and professional education through the IPVAC since 2008. Beginning in 2014 the MCDVTF partnered with CMU and brought the conference onto campus to take advantage of the beautiful setting and excellent dining options. This year’s event is dedicated to officer Isaac Gallegos of the Grand Junction Police Department for his advocacy and education related to domestic violence during his fifteen years of service.
The IPVAC offers a keynote presentation each morning followed by various breakout sessions that attendees can choose from to tailor the event to their interests and needs. The conference is a great way for current and aspiring professionals to network and enhance their education to provide the best possible services to those impacted by domestic violence in the community. Professor of Criminal Justice Katie Dreiling, PhD, explained that “intimate partner violence and sexual assault permeates all parts of society and is always evolving. Thus, continuous awareness and attention to these issues is essential for those working with victims, survivors and perpetrators as well as for the safety and wellbeing of families and the community in general.”
Professionals in law enforcement, medical services, legal services, victim’s services, mental health services, adult and child welfare, counseling, education, social work and case management are encouraged to attend as are CMU students, faculty and staff.
The conference will take place Apr. 17-18 from 8am-4:30pm. Registration is available online or in-person the day of the event, but in past years this event has sold out so it is recommended to sign up ahead of time. A two-day pass that includes free parking is $99 for Mesa County residents, $175 for non-Mesa County residents and the IPVAC can be attended free of charge for CMU students, staff and faculty when a 700 number is supplied when registering.
A schedule of the keynote presentations and breakout sessions is available on the IPVAC’s website.