PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chief Judge Evans announces 3rd annual family violence conference in Sixth Municipal District

Released On 10/16/2002

Cook County Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans and Sixth Municipal District Presiding Judge Ronald C. Riley have announced that the Sixth Municipal District Illinois Family Violence Coordinating Council (IFVCC) will host its third annual domestic violence awareness conference on Wednesday, October 16, 2002, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Tinley Park Convention Center. The theme of the free, one-day conference is "More than a Few Good Men."

The conference's featured speaker is Jackson Katz, creator of the award winning video, "Tough Guise." As one of America's leading anti-sexist male activists, Mr Katz is a widely published author in both academic journals and newspapers. He also has appeared frequently on radio and television programs, including Good Morning America, Montel Williams, CBS Evening News, ABC News, 20/20, and most recently, the Oprah Winfrey Show.

Mr. Katz will introduce conference participants to a creative new way of conceptualizing the role of men in women's issues. He will focus on providing concrete strategies for ending social male aggression during his presentation which will combine lecturing with written and oral exercises along with interactive discussion. Conference participants include judges, south suburban mayors and law enforcement officials, assistant state's attorneys, assistant public defenders, medical and educational personnel, as well as individuals who work with family violence victims. With close to 250 attendees anticipated, registration for the conference is closed. Continuing education credits will be available for certified counselors.

As part of the conference, the Sixth Municipal District Illinois Family Violence Coordinating Council will participate in the Lion & Lamb "Violent Toys Trade-in Campaign." This nationwide program collects violent children's toys and exchanges them for nonviolent, educational toys to stop the marketing of violence to children. Also various south suburban agencies will have exhibits displayed at the conference.

For more conference information, please contact Susana E. Guzmán, local coordinator for the Sixth Municipal District's IFVCC, at 708.210.4046.