National Speaker Addresses Statewide Audience on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

Topeka, KS, 2/12/2014-Kim Gandy, CEO of the National Network to End Domestic Violence from Washington, D.C. will be in Kansas on Thursday, speaking at the Sunflower Safety Breakfast as part of the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence’s 11th Annual Safe Homes, Safe Streets event in Topeka.

Kim Gandy has worked to end domestic and sexual violence in a variety of roles: volunteer, activist, advocate, prosecutor, pro bono attorney, and leader. In addition to her work with NNEDV, Kim was a founder and director of the New Orleans Metropolitan Battered Women’s Program; served as an Assistant District Attorney in Louisiana; and helped write Louisiana’s first Domestic Abuse Assistance Act in 1983. Ms. Gandy also worked closely on the original passage and funding of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The National Network to End Domestic Violence, where Ms. Gandy is the CEO, is a public policy and advocacy organization working to address violence against women on the national level.

During her keynote on Thursday, Ms. Gandy will speak about why addressing domestic and sexual violence is important. Her keynote, “Domestic and Sexual Violence: Why is it Important?” will challenge Kansans to address these issues in their communities.

“We are thrilled to have Ms. Gandy come to Kansas. KCSDV wants everyone to get involved,” said Joyce Grover, executive director of the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence. “Ms. Gandy brings the national perspective to Kansas,” Grover says, “we must all work together if we want to end this preventable and predictable violence.”

Ms. Gandy’s remarks will continue the week’s activities intended to raise awareness about domestic violence and sexual assault in Kansas. Programs from across the state will have tables in the Capitol Rotunda. Silhouette displays representing women murdered as a result of domestic violence and rape will stand at the Capitol throughout the day.