Dyersburg, Tennessee – Dyersburg State Community College (DSCC) will host a Victims of Domestic Violence Symposium featuring keynote speaker Scott Thorson Sept. 29, from 8 a.m.-noon inside the Student Center on the Dyersburg campus. This event is co-sponsored by DSCC’s Division of Continuing Education, DSCC’s Criminal Justice Department, Delta Sigma Chi Criminal Justice Association and Northwest Safeline Domestic Violence Agency.
The Symposium, geared towards law enforcement agencies, school officials, probation and parole offices, and child services agencies, is designed to bring awareness to domestic violence, intimate partner violence, sexual assault and child maltreatment in the rural communities of West Tennessee. Guest speakers will introduce signs of unhealthy relationships and abuse, share personal stories and experience of abuse, and inform the audience of current movements in the fight to end violence in relationships. They will provide guests with information on recognizing red flags within unhealthy relationships, identifying common barriers to victims receiving help, offering support to victims, and utilizing local resources that provide help to those experiencing domestic violence.
Keynote speaker Scott Thorson will tell his remarkable story of abuse, failure, hope and redemption. Born in Chicago, IL, to a loving mother and father, his stepfather murdered his mother, shot his sister and then turned the gun on himself. Thorson will tell about his personal experience and how he became withdrawn, quiet and emotionally wrecked. His story involves turning to drugs, alcohol, fighting and isolation in order to cope with this unimaginable crisis.
The cost to attend is $40 per person. To register online go to https://registration.xenegrade.com/dscc or contact Teresa Evans at 731-286-3267 or tevans@dscc.edu. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be awarded to all attendees.
