Domestic violence panel set for Oct. 25 at Penn State Harrisburg

MIDDLETOWN, Pa. - Maria Turkson, associate teaching professor of psychology at Penn State Harrisburg, will lead a panel of experts in a discussion about domestic violence prevention on Friday, Oct. 25. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The panel discussion will be held from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at Penn State Harrisburg in the Olmsted Building, room C213.

Turkson, the 2024 winner of DomesticShelters.org's international award for "Best Youth Initiative" for educating students on domestic violence prevention, will be joined by:

• Jennifer Gettle, chief deputy district attorney for Dauphin County and winner of the Governor's Victim Advocacy Award
• Jessica Stoddard, victim advocate with Lower Paxton Police Department Victim/Witness Assistance Program
• Becca Zelner, domestic violence awareness advocate
• Jeffrey West, financial planner and owner of Freedom Financial
• Daniel Wright, public safety director, Middletown Police

Turkson will discuss research on domestic violence prevention, and the panelists will discuss prevention from their areas of expertise, including legal, financial and victim/advocate perspectives.

Attendees will learn the definition of domestic violence, risk factors for domestic violence, as well as trauma-informed perspectives. Attendees will also learn what to do if confronted with domestic violence. Short videos and interactive exercises will be included to foster participation among attendees.

The event is open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to wear something purple to symbolize domestic violence awareness. For additional information, contact [email protected] or call 717-948-6205.