Walk to raise domestic violence awareness this Sunday

As part of its new strategy to address domestic violence, the Southfield Police Department is hosting a “Walk to Raise Awareness of Domestic Violence” this Sunday.

One walk will run 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. and another 2 -4p .m. The walks are approximately 2 and ahalf miles and will begin and end on the front lawn of the Donald F. Fracassi Municipal Campus at 26000 Evergreen Rd. The event is free and open to the public with a maximum capacity of 100 participants for each walk.

The department’s new approach to deal with domestic violence is multifaceted and is designed to change behaviors of offenders and victims. Besides the walk, it includes:

Identifying locations that have multiple domestic violence- related calls which demonstrate a pattern of an increased level of aggressive behavior in a defined time period, a unified approach by police, the Southfield Fire Department and the Southfield Domestic Violence Group

Developing a High Risk Response Team dedicated to identifying high-risk domestic violence cases and creating a coordinated community response, including prevention and community education.

This will involve police and fire department staf f, judicial system, school officials, elected officials and community resources.

Domestic violence seminars for victims and offenders, with agenda topics of intimidation, stalking, power/control, alienation, various types of abuse and available resources.

Among those on hand for the Walk to Raise Awareness of Domestic Violence on Sunday will be Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren.