Oakton and YMCA Evanston/North Shore host gun violence and domestic violence workshop Nov. 20

Oakton Community College and YMCA Evanston/North Shore will host the continuing education workshop "A Lethal Relationship: Gun Violence and Domestic Violence" from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20, at the Oakton's Des Plaines campus, 1600 E. Golf Road (Rooms 1604-1610).

Professionals in the areas of criminal justice, law enforcement, public health and safety, human services, mental health, legislative and advocacy are encouraged to attend the event sponsored by Oakton and YWCA Evanston/North Shore.

Participants will gain a better understanding of topics including: nonlethal and lethal uses of guns in domestic violence; federal and state laws that prohibit domestic violence perpetrators from accessing guns; considerations and the steps involved when implementing the statutory requirement of a firearm surrender/seizure in Illinois and the important role patrol officers and investigators play in preventing gun violence.

State Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz will open the conference discussing the political landscape in Illinois and how the state is responding to the public health crisis of gun violence and domestic violence. Gong-Gershowitz is a leading advocate on gun safety legislation in Illinois having lost her cousin and her cousin's two children to gun violence.

Other speakers include April M. Zeoli, Ph.D., associate professor in the School of Criminal Justice at Michigan State University, and David W. Keck, project director for the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence and Firearms.

Prior to the workshop, participants can enjoy a continental breakfast and networking opportunities starting at 8:30 a.m. Space is limited. Advanced registration is recommended. Before Nov. 1, cost is $90. After Nov. 1, participants will be charged $100. Upon completion, attendees will be eligible for continuing education credits.

To register, or for more information, call 847-635-1438 visit http://www.oakton.edu/conted or email [email protected]. Information is also available at http://www.ywca-ens.org/domestic-violence-program/conference/.