Over 100 students attend domestic violence awareness seminar
By: Tatum Miller & Chinaza Nwosa
Reporters
On Wednesday, Oct 16, 2019, over 100 students attended the Dating and Domestic Violence Seminar held in the Student Center ballroom. Kathy O’Neil, founder of Abby’s Voice Foundation, opened the seminar with sharing her late daughter’s personal story. There was also a panel for advice and questions the audience had. The panel consisted of Kathy O’Neil, Lisa Peden, Monica Shambaugh, Ted Tewahade, and Ron Blake. After the panel, Ron Blake gave his story.
O’Neil’s presentation covered her daughter’s, Abby Robertson, personal dating violence story, which was in fact the cause of her death. She also talked about important signs to recognize in an abusive relationship as well as steps to take to prevent or terminate violence in a relationship. O’Neil also played a video that she created shortly after her daughter’s death in 2008. This video was a discussion with college-aged people who were impacted by Abby’s death. It talked about all of the signs that went unacknowledged and how to get help if you or a friend is in an abusive relationship.
After her story, a question was asked by an audience member if she felt the life imprisonment given to the murderer was okay with her, was responded with Kathy O’Neal saying “I and my husband are very happy with that decision, as much as it hurts death penalty didn’t sit well with us. A 26 year old that has just started life and is going to end it in jail is just the right thing that could have happened. Yes, we are happy and satisfied”.
The discussion panel took place after a short intermission. The panel brought many different viewpoints, personal stories, advice, and answers for the students, staff, faculty, and community members that attended.
Closing the seminar, Ron Blake gave the audience his personal story about being a rape victim as well as dating violence. Blake talked about his journey with depression and overcoming it by talking and interacting with complete strangers, learning their stories and sharing them when he speaks. He suffered from many ill thoughts accompanied with anxiety and depression, despite him going to the counsellor for help. Blake considered suicide many times but could not bring it to reality until a particular night in November 2016.
“I had just woken up from a terrible night mare and decided it was all over, I sat on the floor, brought out all my pills and kept them on my thighs. I was ready to go. My TV was on and a comedian was talking; that was what saved me! I laughed and it all made sense to me. I am a catholic and believe in my faith. It was God’s way of letting me know that I had a purpose, I had to let everyone know of this. I had to share this light to as many people as I could. Standing here before you, I have been able to tell over 30,000 people my story”. Blake Said
When asked about the seminar, Associate Director of Residence Life, Taylor Osmotherly of Crawford noted the main organizers of Wednesday’s seminar.
“For Domestic Violence Awareness month we wanted to put on an event, Jennifer Ponce from Doves got both speakers here and Danny Reynaga also helped with today’s event.” Osmotherly said.
The Doves program works to bring awareness to domestic and sexual violence. Community Outreach Coordinator, Lisa Peden of Gering was on the seminar’s panel. When asked what are some other activities Doves does for Domestic Violence Awareness month, Peden said “today’s event was one of our main events, we try to get a few speakers, we also do articles and social media posts.”