BUFFALO, N.Y. – Recognizing October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, WNED is partnering with local social service and law enforcement organizations to present a free community event centered on the documentary “Telling Amy’s Story.”  The film screening and expert panel discussion takes place Thursday, Oct. 6, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in the WNED Studios, 140 Lower Terrace in downtown Buffalo. Doors open at 5 p.m.

The event is being hosted by WNED’s Education and Outreach Department, with support from the Verizon Foundation and in partnership with the Family Justice Center.

About one-fourth of all women in the U.S. report experiencing domestic violence in their life, according to a 2008 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 “This event offers an opportunity for the community to come together to discuss, share and learn from one another about a prevalent problem with potentially devastating consequences,” said John Craig, Ph.D., WNED’s vice president for education and outreach.

“Telling Amy’s Story” is a compelling film following the timeline of a domestic violence homicide that occurred in central Pennsylvania in 2001. The victim’s parents, co-workers, law enforcement officers and court personnel share their perspectives on what happened to Amy in the weeks, months and years leading up to her death. Mariska Hargitay, star of "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit," hosts the film. “Telling Amy’s Story” also will be broadcast on WNED-TV Thursday, Oct. 27 at 9 p.m.

Following the screening, panelists (listed below) will discuss domestic violence issues from a Western New York perspective and answer questions from the audience:
• Laura Grube, Haven House
• Robyn Wiktorski-Reynolds, LMSW, Advocate Program coordinator, Crisis Services
• Suzanne E. Tomkins, attorney; Family Justice Center board member; clinical professor, University at Buffalo Law School; and director, UB Social Justice Clinic
• A representative from the Erie County Sheriff’s Department Domestic Violence Unit

The panel discussion will be moderated by Mary Travers Murphy, executive director of the Family Justice Center.  Various community organizations will provide information and resources, including those listed above, YWCA of Niagara and SPCA of Erie County.

To attend, please RSVP to Rachael Haas at rhaas@wned.org or (716) 845-7000, ext. 345.