PRESS RELEASE - Request for Coverage

For Immediate Release - 2/9/06

For more information, contact Laurie Harrison, KCSDV Communications Coordinator at 785-232-9784 or lharrison@kcsdv.org

Minister: "Religion should never justify domestic violence"

Rev. Al Miles is keynote speaker at statewide organization's event that includes reaction by KCDSV to sex crimes legislation at event's press conference.

Governor Kathleen Sebelius and Attorney General Phill Kline also invited to speak

Topeka, Kan. - It may be surprising to hear a long-time minister immediately describe himself as anything but a hospital chaplain and faith leader. But he does.

"I really do think of myself as an advocate of justice," said the Rev. Al Miles, head of hospital ministry at the Queen's Medical Center in Honolulu.

It's not Miles' work as minister that has garnered so much press attention. It's his side job and the reason he will be in Topeka this week.

"I have been called out by God and I can no longer sit and do nothing about violence against women," said Miles, a nationwide speaker on domestic violence and teen dating abuse who has written three books on these issues.

"I believe that God gives equal value to men and women," he said. "But among our faith communities there is a great deal of denial and naivete that help to exacerbate the problem of violence against women."

Miles explained that even though clergy agree that domestic violence is wrong, he still hears stories of faith leaders recommending that their female parishioners stay in abusive relationships, turn the other cheek, pray harder and the abuse will stop, and make themselves a living sacrifice.

"These things are being said in 2006," he said. "I hear it all the time."

Miles is the keynote speaker for the third annual Safe Homes, Safe Streets Awareness Day organized by the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence (KCSDV). The two-day event begins Thursday with legislative and public awareness activities, a press conference and an evening reception, and continues with a training featuring Miles on Friday.

"We want to help legislators understand the reality of violence in the homes and streets of their own constituencies," said Sandy Barnett, executive director of KCSDV. "We want the legislators to realize how many opportunities they have in their districts to make a difference."

Barnett will address the many pieces of proposed legislation addressing sex crimes and sex offenders during the press conference. Governor Sebelius and Attorney General Kline are also invited to speak.

The event is supported by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Kansas and the Shumaker Family Foundation.

Thursday, February 9, 2006

Safe Homes, Safe Streets Press Conference

11:00 a.m.
1st Floor Rotunda
Kansas Statehouse
300 SW 10th Ave, Topeka

Speakers:

Member program displays

All day
1st Floor Rotunda
Kansas Statehouse

Safe Homes, Safe Street Reception

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Grand Ballroom
Ramada Inn
420 E. 6th St., Topeka

Friday, February 10, 2006

Uniting Against Domestic Violence:
Advocacy & Faith Communities Training*

9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Ramada Inn, Jefferson Room

*Prior registration required to participate. Media are welcome to cover the event. Direct all media inquiries to Laurie Harrison at 633-9703 (cell).

The Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence is the only statewide network of domestic violence and sexual assault advocacy programs in Kansas. KCSDV works to support its 30 member programs by increasing public awareness about sexual violence, domestic violence and stalking through education and advocacy, exploring new options for services and funding, and by working for social change.

Safety. Accountability. Justice

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