Preventing sexual and domestic violence in communities is the focus of the 2013 Summit in Hays Monday and Tuesday.

“Working together is key,” says Charlotte Linsner, executive director of Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services.

That collaboration is evident even among the Summit sponsors:  Options, Fort Hays State University Women’s Leadership Project, Jana’s Campaign to Stop Domestic Violence, Hays Police, LINK, SKIL, Hays Medical Center, and Strategies for Change Batterer Intervention Program.

Engaging boys and men in reducing violence against women is the Summit focus.

Keynote speaker Rus Funk of Louisville, Kentucky, is executive director of MensWork and a longtime activist in the movement to end sexual and domestic violence.

“Preventing sexual and domestic violence  requires a strategic plan reaching across the ‘ecological framework’ and a long-term commitment,” says Funk.  “It also requires the active engagement of men and boys.”

Day two of the conference will be a forensics symposium with experts discussing several topics including drug-facilitated sexual assault.

“Alcohol use is often a factor in sexual assault,” says Hays Med SANE Team Leader Jessica Albers, RN.

Other information will be provided about strangulation and bite marks, and child sexual abuse investigations.

“One in four women and one in seven men will experience domestic or sexual violence in their lifetime,” says Funk.  “We must overcome the challenges and barriers to engaging men and boys in our communities to stop the violence.”

Find out more about the Summit tonight on Hays Post, Eagle Community TV Channel 14.