Today it was my pleasure to address the Mesa East Rotary Club. Just the fact that they were willing to have someone speak about domestic abuse was to their credit. This group was not only engaged, but anxious to assist in a suitable way. I hope we will work with them again. So many civic organizations are truly interested in improving the lives of people in our community - Rotary is a great example.
On Wednesday, I will speak to a group of about 60 advocates at the Family Resource Center in Phoenix. I love advocates - this is a difficult job - but much appreciated by victims. I will never forget the assistance I received from a wonderful advocate who became my friend.
Then, next Monday I go to El Paso to address a group of defense attorneys at a seminar sponsored by the University of Texas - Defense Initiated Victim Outreach (DIVO). I am pleased to not only speak, but to listen to highlighted speakers who will help defense attorneys learn ways to improve their relationship with the families of victims of homicide. This is truly a new concept. I will return with a report of what I learned. My friend, Bill Hicks, the prosecutor in Lisa's trial (and I say Lisa's trial because in her case she was the one the defense had on trial ) send me an email and he said,
"I think that the seminar leaders might have bitten off more than they can chew by asking you to speak to them. I encourage you to not hold back anything. Let them know that the actions of the defense attorneys throughout our trial were hurtful; and how they persisted in dragging Lisa’s past into the trial; and how they tried to make the murder case about Lisa. . . . . ."
I will do my best, Bill.
I feel very fortunate to take Lisa's story to so many who can make a difference - business men/women, advocates, defense attorneys - all in a matter of 7 days.
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