On Thursday, Oct. 30, District Court Judge Amy Krause hosted a Domestic Violence Awareness Month event in her Lansing City Hall court room. Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has proclaimed October Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Michigan. Thursday's event also marked the thirtieth anniversary of the Michigan Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Board.  Judge Krause chairs the board.

Program participants joining the judge at the event included: Susan Shoultz, executive director of End Violent Encounters, a Lansing domestic violence shelter; Rina Risper, a domestic violence survivor; and Karen Porter, quality assurance director for the Michigan Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Board.

The board is appointed by the governor and charged with efforts to reduce domestic violence in the state. It is administratively housed within the Michigan Department of Human Services and administers state and federal funding for domestic violence shelters and advocacy services, develops and recommends policy, and develops and provides technical assistance and training.

Judge Krause reviewed the history of the Michigan Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Board since its inception in 1978 and closed her remarks with a call for a renewed commitment to increased awareness of, and improved community responses to, domestic and sexual violence.

"Our passion is great," she said. "Our dedication is tireless. Our collective spirit is unbreakable. Together we will continue moving full speed ahead toward the day when domestic and sexual violence is no longer a part of Michigan and its great people."

For more information, please visit the DHS Web site at www.michigan.gov/domesticviolence