National Expert on Domestic Violence to Provide Regional Training

PHOENIX (March 17, 1999) — Sarah Buel, a national expert on Domestic Violence, will visit the Valley March 22nd to provide training and advice to the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Domestic Violence Council.

Buel will discuss the elements of successful regional councils and programs at the Council's next meeting on Wednesday, March 22, 2000. The meeting will be held from 9:00 -11:00 a.m. at the MAG offices, 302 N. 1st Avenue, Suite 200, Phoenix.

"This is an extraordinary opportunity for the Council to draw on Ms. Buel's expertise in working with Regional Domestic Violence Councils around the nation," said Mary Thomson, MAG Domestic Violence Specialist. "She brings to the table over 20 years experience working with battered women and establishing award-winning domestic violence programs across the country. We believe this training will help us save time — and possibly lives — in our own effort to establish a comprehensive, coordinated response to domestic violence in Maricopa County."

The MAG Domestic Violence Council represents the largest domestic violence coordination effort in the country, bringing together 24 cities and towns, Maricopa County, and two Indian Communities. The 50-member council is made up of domestic violence service providers, elected officials, business leaders, victim advocates, medical providers, foundations and members of the faith-based community.

The task of the MAG Domestic Violence Council is to oversee the implementation of 41 recommendations contained in the MAG Regional Domestic Violence Plan. The Plan was developed following one of the Valley's bloodiest years for domestic violence.

For more information about the meeting or to arrange coverage, please contact Kelly Taft at (602) 452-5020.