Grand Prairie Police Chief to Host Family Violence Summit

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas - April 8, 2019 - PRLog -- On April 23^rd, Grand Prairie Deputy Chief of Police, in partnership with Brighter Tomorrows, the local family violence response agency, will host a Family Violence & Sexual Assault Response Summit. The summit will host panel discussion with family violence prevention experts and community leaders as well as survivors of violence. The purpose of the event is bring to light recent developments in family violence, to bring together a collective voice of the community in ending family violence and to answer the question about what each community member can do to help end this travesty.

         When asked why he sees the need for this summit, Deputy Chief Gudgel stated, "Domestic violence is prevalent in every community, and affects all people regardless of age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality. We are not immune locally and have seen some high-profile cases recently. Our goal is to make our citizens more aware of the laws and processes surrounding domestic violence along with providing the resources available to them in order to combat this violence."

         In partnership with the Grand Prairie Police Department is Brighter Tomorrows. Brighter Tomorrows is the only shelter for victims of family violence, their children and their pets in the Grand Prairie area. Executive Director, Brent Trotter, stated "The community lacks information about DV and its earliest, observable signs. We want to help people know what the signs are to protect themselves and/or someone they love."  His goals for this summit reflect the goals of the Police Department, "Certainly, we want to raise awareness, educate public that we are here and the services we offer…being the only shelter in Grand Prairie.  We have a dedicated commitment to work with law enforcement and collaborate with advocates to protect victims and survivors and to work with city and state officials to bring about change in/through the legal system."

         Domestic violence affects 1 in 4 women, 1 in 9 men and 1 in 5 teens. The fatality review board of Dallas County has seen in increase in violence that can be altered through education and prevention. Brighter Tomorrows hosts workshops, classes and community outreach for any group, school or agency that would like to see their students, employees or community members educated. This summit is another way to engage the community through awareness, education and community collaboration to help put an end to this very stoppable issue.

         The event is open to the public (but RSVP), and all attendees will be provided lunch by Brighter Tomorrows and the Grand Prairie Police Dept. Seating is limited. We ask the press to attend.

RSVP to EKincaid@BrighterTomorrows.net    Call 972-834-9322 for more information.