An event Monday in Lawrence will aim to educate middle schoolers, high schoolers and adults about dating and relationship violence and what can be done to prevent it.
“Prevention is Possible – Promoting Healthy Relationships” will be hosted by Douglas County Interfaith Mental Health Outreach (IMHO). The event will feature Shannon VanLandingham, executive director and founder of #BeMoreLikeClaire.
VanLandingham founded the organization to carry on the legacy of her daughter, Claire, a promising young Navy dentist who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend on Jan. 3, 2018. #BeMoreLikeClaire’s mission is “to teach safe and healthy relationships skills throughout the lifespan, engage influential adults and peers, disrupt pathways toward relationship violence, and create protective, safe communities,” the organization’s website summarizes.
Relationship violence can impact anyone regardless of age, race, religion, gender, education and socioeconomic status, a flyer about the event states, and it is “shockingly pervasive.”
“Dating and relationship violence is a pattern of coercive and abusive tactics employed by one person in a relationship to gain power and control over another person,” according to the flyer. “It can take many forms, including physical violence, coercion, threats, intimidation, isolation and emotional, sexual or economic abuse.”
The event is set for 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 24 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 6001 Bob Billings Parkway.
Get help in Lawrence
Domestic violence situations: The Willow Domestic Violence Center
- Reach the Willow for help 24/7 at 785-843-3333.
- Find more resources on the Willow’s website at this link.
- National hotline: Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text “START” to 88788, and/or visit thehotline.org to chat and learn more, 24/7.
File for an order of protection
In Kansas, victim-survivors of stalking and abuse can file for court orders of protection from abuse or stalking online. Visit kspop.org and follow the instructions on the website. The service is available for any county in Kansas. You can also file for a protection order with traditional paper forms; check this link for more information.
Learn the warning signs
Read about warning signs of domestic violence and emotional abuse and learn how you can help at this link.
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