By John Howell
Tri-Lakes Medical Center and Batesville Safe Shelter will sponsor a one-day domestic violence conference that will feature the founder/director of Justice for Shelby/Shelby’s Voice.

“The Tri-Lakes Emergency Room staff treats patients that are victims of domestic violence on a weekly basis, hospital CEO Travis Sisson said. “We are proud to support our community’s efforts in ending domestic violence.”

 The North Mississippi Domestic Violence Conference on Saturday, April 11 features a day-long agenda that includes certified counselors, an attorney who specializes in training law enforcement to deal with domestic violence and a representative of Tupelo’s domestic violence shelter.

“Our conference will highlight the latest information and promising practices to advance the professional response to domestic violence,” said Dr. Jake Julian, coordinator of Pastoral Care at Tri-Lakes and founder of Batesville Safe Shelter.

Tri-Lakes Behavioral Health Center Program Director and Registered Nurse Renee Cole will talk about the connection between domestic violence and mental illness.

Registered Nurse Angela Harmon founded Justice for Shelby/Shelby’s Voice after her daughter, Shelby Dawn Harmon, she was run down and killed in 2012 by a vehicle driven by her boyfriend.

Marilyn Howell of Hattiesburg has been Counselor and Clinical Coordinator for the Domestic Abuse Family Shelter for 20 years.

Charles Howell is an attorney who is a domestic abuse victims’ advocate and who holds certifications from the FBI and other law enforcement organizations.

The Howells will provide overviews of the dynamics in domestic violence relationships and effective  intervention programs.

Mary Howell will also address consideration for victim’s safety and sensitivity, and readiness to change, according to the conference agenda.

Charles Howell will discuss legal definitions of misdemeanor and felony domestic violence and stalking and, “safety issues such as spotting signs of domestic violence and conducting lethality assessments,” according to the agenda schedule.

Licensed Social Worker Sonja Hamilton will talk about what works in domestic violence and what does not. Hamilton has been with Tupelo’s Shelter and Assistance in Family Emergencies (S.A.F.E.) For over 10 years.

Batesville Safe Shelter is a non-profit corporation established to raise funds and implement a shelter in Panola County for victims of domestic violence.

Julian has identified a nine-county area of north Mississippi where victims of domestic abuse have limited options to returning to the scene of their abuse when released from medical treatment.

Credit for continuing education units (CEUs) has been applied for through the Mississippi Board of Examiners, Julian said.

Healthcare professionals from physicians to social workers and other interested individuals are encouraged to attend.

Registration through April 4 costs $45, $50 afterward and $55 at the door. Registration may be mailed to Dr. Jake Julian, c/o Batesville Safe Shelter, 118 Trianon St., Batesville, MS 38606. Contact Julian at (662) 609-5850; jakejulian@cableone.net.