Instructor informs campus with domestic violence presentation

MHCC geography teacher and criminal justice coordinator Chris Gorsek focused on both the aggressors and the victims in domestic violence incidents during a presentation Wednesday in the Visual Arts Theater.

Gorsek has been doing seminars on domestic violence for 14 years.

“I like to do community outreach and it’s an important topic,” said Gorsek. He said he has knowledge and experience with domestic abuse from his 10 years as a reserve police officer from 1987-1997.

In the seminar, Gorsek detailed all kinds of domestic abuse ranging from date-rape to simple house-hold spats and serious fights. Gorsek went in depth with the psyche of those prone to cause pain to others within the cycle of abuse. He also talked about the survivors, and why they refuse help and stay in such dangerous relationships. “They stay because they’re in love,” said Gorsek.

Gorsek used examples of how domestic violence was handled in the ‘80s with footage from the show “Hill Street Blues.” He would go on and elaborate on the evolution of how the police handled domestic violence. There were also music videos shown to illustrate the various forms of domestic abuse and how it affects relationships.

Gorsek gave advice on how to talk to those caught in an abusive relationship and the six things to say to someone surviving a violent relationship. He stressed that the most important piece of advice is to tell them it is not their fault. Gorsek also gave the warning signs of those who would likely become physically violent toward their significant other. He would end the presentation with a humorous spoof video to lighten the mood.

October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month and evolved from the first Day of Unity observed in October 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV). The intent was to connect battered women advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and children. In 1989, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month Commemorative Legislation was passed by the Congress. Such legislation has passed every year since. In October 1994 NCADV, in conjunction with Ms. Magazine, created the “Remember My Name” project, a national registry to increase public awareness of domestic violence deaths.

If you would like more information on domestic violence, go to www.ncadv.org. Here you can find information about domestic violence month, how you can help the NCADV, learn ways to protect yourself, and gain access to various confidential help lines.