Group works to stop violence

The coalition plans to spread awareness through workplace presentations.
YOUNGSTOWN -- More than half of the men who batter their wives also abuse their children.
Abused children are at risk for becoming perpetrators of violence.
Ninety percent of elder abuse is perpetrated by a family member.
Presenting these facts, by the Tri-County Family Violence Prevention Coalition, is one way the organization is trying to spread the message that "violence is preventable."
Project coordinator Dorothy Kane said the organization knew it couldn't develop a program for each violence-prevention organization in the Tri-County area and make use of funding from the Anthem Foundation of Ohio.
Strategic plan
So the Tri-County Family Violence Prevention Coalition developed a strategic plan to reach people in the area.
One part of the plan focuses on spreading awareness in the workplace through presentations.
"When we see someone with a black eye, we tolerate it. Some might laugh. Some might see it as a rite of passage," Kane said.
Kane added that someone who hears a presentation might say, "Oh my gosh, that's me," and try to get help.
She said that some people might begin to recognize a victim and try to help.
"With a labor force of 250,000-plus in the Tri-County area, these presentations can have quite an impact," Kane said, adding that everyone can become a part of the awareness campaign.
The organization also offers 15-minute presentations to civic, social and service groups, as well as neighborhood associations and faith communities, on how to prevent family violence. Speakers are available throughout Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbiana counties.
Call Kane at (330) 747-5111 to schedule a presentation.