Domestic violence and abuse—the silent crime that occurs in homes behind closed doors—can happen to anyone regardless of age, gender, culture and socioeconomic status. Too often the signs are overlooked, and victims continue to suffer, unsure where to turn to get the help they need.
Montgomery County Community College, with the generous support of the Verizon Foundation, will be addressing domestic violence and abuse issues to increase awareness, provide resource information and reach out to victims on campus and in the community.
The Verizon Foundation recently provided a $5,000 grant to the College to host a domestic violence awareness film. The event will feature the documentary “Telling Amy’s Story.” The College, through using this film, wants to inform students and the community about the warning signs of domestic violence and abuse, the importance of contacting authorities and the availability of support services and community resources.
“Verizon is proud to improve the quality of life for youth and families in Montgomery County by empowering the community with innovative tools and resources,” said Daniel J. Reavy, Director of External Affairs for Verizon Pennsylvania. “We’re investing in programs, such as our partnership with Montgomery County Community College, to reach every type of learner across the lifespan and to touch people’s lives by focusing on education, health and family safety in the 21st century. We understand that education does not begin or end in the classroom.”
“Telling Amy’s Story,” created by Penn State Public Broadcasting, documents the domestic abuse of Amy Homan McGee, a Verizon Wireless employee and mother of two who was ultimately murdered by her husband Vincent McGee in 2001.
In the film, Detective Deirdri Feshel, of the State College, Pa., Police Department, narrates Amy’s story, highlighting what steps could be taken to stop a similar situation. Actress Mariska Hargitay, who played Detective Olivia Benson of NBC-TV’s “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” and founder of the Joyful Heart Foundation, introduces the documentary.
Visit www.thinkfinity.org to learn more about the Verizon Foundation and this compelling documentary.
by Diane VanDyke