Norman Human Rights Commission hosts 6th Inclusive Community Discussion on domestic violence

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Norman and the Norman’s Human Rights Commission is hosting an Inclusive Community Discussion to answer questions and provide information about domestic violence and related issues.

The community discussion on domestic violence will be at 6 p.m. in the Norman Public Library’s Lowry Room, 225 North Webster Avenue on Thursday, Oct. 1. Residents are invited to meet and talk about issues faced by survivors of domestic violence as well as their friends, family, and other support networks.

“Domestic violence is, unfortunately, a fact of life for too many individuals and families in every community. The ICD will provide an opportunity for interested citizens to come together to learn more about this issue and to discuss issues of concern to survivors, their families, and the community as a whole,” said Kay Ham, HRC Chair. “Norman is not only striving to become a more inclusive community; it is also striving to become a safer community for everyone.”

Participants will have the opportunity to respond to questions regarding the issue of domestic violence and how the city and other community resources could better serve survivors and their friends, family, and supporting agencies.

Participants will also have the opportunity to provide additional feedback or voice any other concerns related to this topic in small, moderated groups. The HRC will then compile the feedback and prepare an Inclusive Community Report and Action Plan to the City Council advising of its findings and any recommendations for change.

Representatives from support agencies will also attend the ICD to participate in the discussion of these important issues and to provide information to citizens.

In 2008, the City Council adopted a resolution to participate in the National League of Cities’ Partnership for Working toward Inclusive Communities, reaffirming the city’s commitment to inclusion as a fundamental aspect of the community, pledging active efforts to seek to achieve that goal, and urging all residents to join together to support this effort.

In furtherance of those goals, the HRC hosts these ICDs to gather information from the community on ways that the City can better serve citizens and build an inclusive community.

“The goal of each of these conversations is to provide a safe and respectful place for people to discuss how we as a community can encourage the participation and contributions of all our citizens to make Norman a strong and inclusive place to live, work, and raise families," Mayor Cindy Rosenthal said. "A central goal is to identify those areas in which we can improve, so together we can take the necessary steps to make Norman a more welcoming community,”

For more information call the city offices at 405-217-7700.

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