LEAH (Let’s End Abusive Households), a program of Jewish Family & Children’s Services of Southern Arizona, with community partner Hadassah Nurses Council, will present, “Freeing Survivors of Domestic Violence from Stigma and Self-Blame” with Deena Gayle Hitzke, Ed.D., on Sunday, April 7, 10 a.m. to noon at Congregation Bet Shalom.
Hitzke is director of the elder crime victims’ services at the Administration of Resources and Choices, a nonprofit agency that serves Tucson, Southern Arizona and the Phoenix metro area. She will lead an interactive discussion on the dynamics of domestic violence; stereotypes and stigmas; reducing self-blame; effective self-advocacy and systems advocacy; and coordinated community response.
Hitzke has been empowering survivors for nearly 30 years. Her experience includes working as a domestic violence legal advocate, shelter director, program director, clinical director, grant writer, research and development director, and psychotherapist. Her current interests involve teaching older adults to emancipate themselves from internalized ageism and other negative stereotypes using storytelling, reminiscence and other creative strategies.
The workshop is free. RSVP to Irene Gefter at igefter@jfcstucson.org or 795-0300, ext. 2271.
