In a continuing effort to expand its community education initiative, Help End Abuse for Life (HEAL) recently participated in the 2012 District Ten Altrusa Conference at the Ruidoso Convention Center.
“The Ruidoso Club of Altrusa has been an integral part of our anti-violence campaign in Lincoln County from the beginning of the Nest, dating back to 2007. We were thrilled they asked us to present at their event and hope we inspired other Altrusa chapters to become similarly involved in their communities,” said Lesley Kring, HEAL Media Liaison.
During the 45-minute presentation, Kring emphasized the significance of community partnerships and resources.
Talking to the audience about the epidemic of domestic violence in our community and HEAL’s response to the crisis, Kring spoke of the significant safety issues survivors face in leaving a domestic violence situation. Many attendees were shocked to hear that this is one of the most dangerous times in the relationship. Several other myths about domestic violence victims and batterers were debunked as well.
Myths about domestic violence are both prevalent and stubborn. HEAL will be discussing the top 10 myths in future articles in this newspaper.
Approximately 100 people attended the convention from May 3–5, which featured presentations on harnessing the physical energy that sustains volunteer work and the importance of staying connected to the spirit that initially leads volunteers to their cause.
“The mission and vision of HEAL are very comprehensive. They clearly include the critical, life-saving work with survivors and their children, but they also involve actively educating our community so we can all be a part of the solution. We deeply appreciate our partnership with Altrusa and other businesses, churches and organizations in Lincoln County and Mescalero,” explains HEAL Executive Director Coleen Widell.
Pictured is HEAL Media Liaison Lesley Kring at the 2012 District Ten Altrusa Conference in Ruidoso.