Local nonprofit Faith and Grace, Inc. is partnering with Mojave Community College to host an educational series to raise awareness about domestic violence.
Linda Christophersen, a teacher from Oregon, will lead the class. Her knowledge of domestic violence began when she taught sentenced juveniles and worked as a victim advocate.
After moving to Havasu seven years ago, she met Kathy DeClerck, president of Faith and Grace, and began working as a grant writer and teacher.
Kristoffersen then developed the idea for the course and collaborated with de Klerk and MCC. She said her goal is to build a following and ensure the safety of the community.
“No one wants to talk about it because it's not a fun topic, but it could be happening next door to you, it could be happening in your family,” Kristoffersen said. Told. “It's time to empower women, sometimes men, but mostly women, and let them know that that's not okay.”
After completing the course, advocates will also understand how to identify domestic violence situations and provide resources.
“Women feel alone, they feel ashamed, they wonder, 'What's wrong with me?'” Kristoffersen says. “It becomes a feeling of self-hatred. So we feel it's our duty as a community to uplift these people and let them know that it's not their fault. Same thing with sexual assault. That’s the thing.”
Christoffersen shared a story about how he once witnessed a man harassing his wife in a store and was able to offer help.
“I gave her a faith and grace card and just kept walking,” Kristoffersen said. “Sometimes that’s all you can do.”
During the eight-week course, speakers will teach a variety of topics, from unconscious bias to creating safety plans and the impact of domestic violence on children.
Speakers include Deputy Prosecutor Amanda Clairhout, a police officer who responds to domestic violence calls, and a crisis intervention expert.
Participants will participate in group work and discussion, and preview the next topic at the end of the class.
Kristoffersen said letting people know in advance about upcoming topics allows them to skip class if they are uncomfortable.
At the end of the series, participants will receive a certificate.
“In Arizona, it takes 16 hours of class time to earn a certificate for volunteering at a domestic violence shelter or transitional facility,” Christophersen said. “So this eight weeks of two hours of classes with him equates to that.”
She added that anyone who might miss a class or two can talk to her about making up.
Those interested in participating can register online. orgsoft.net Or come in person on the first day of class.
This class is paid for by Faith and Grace, Inc. and is free to the community, with enrollment capped at 30 people.
This class will be held every Wednesday from 6:00pm to 8:00pm from March 13th to May 1st in MCC Building 800, Room 821. The campus is located at 1977 W Acoma Blvd.
