Why We Stay An Inside Look From a Victims Perspective NMDPS Accreditation # NM12113B Presented by Francesca Fernandez-Aragon February 28, 2012 6:00pm-8:00pm Santa Fe, NM Who Should Attend All First Responders, Law Enforcement Officers, Telecommunicators, Firefighters, EMT’s, Paramedics, Victim Advocates, Judges, Prosecutors, Social Workers, Mental Health Workers, Rape Treatment Center Workers, Nurses, Family Members of DV Victims, Neighbors of DV Victims, ANYONE who does not understand why a victim stays in the situation they are in. About the Speaker Francesca Fernandez-Aragon is a survivor of severe emotional and physical abuse. She has been able to rise out of the ashes of domestic violence in her own past and become a role model, mentor, and instructor to others. Using her own personal history she has been able to teach others by putting a face on the issue of family violence. She is now an accredited instructor certified by the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy. She is an adjunct instructor at the Albuquerque Police Academy, the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy, the South Eastern Law Enforcement Academy and the New Mexico State Police Academy. Mrs. Fernandez-Aragon lives and works in Northern New Mexico and donates her time to the issue of domestic violence and regularly speaks to audiences across New Mexico. Her stories of living in a domestic violence situation are those that are rarely heard of until it’s too late. Francesca uses her experiences to bring a better understanding to those on the outside that don’t understand why a victim would stay in such a violent situation. Her main goal is to give first responders a different perspective into the life of a domestic violence victim and to show them how they can make a difference in helping the victim to leave. She speaks of how it was a Police Officer that made all the difference for her in leaving her abuser. “A touching and powerful presentation about a victim who became a survivor. I had chills after her presentation.” Detective Julie Jessen Albuquerque Police Department Domestic Violence/Stalking Unit Francesca’s presentation will provide the most realistic insight and a solid blend of practical information accompanied by an understanding of how all first responders can efficiently and effectively deal with Domestic Violence. Angie Byrd Director SNMLEA “Great for all law enforcement officials. Fran makes it clear on the troubles behind the scenes that we don’t see directly. What an eye opener.” Lieutenant Jonathan Salazar New Mexico State Police “After Francesca’s class, one sees domestic violence differently. Indeed, one comes away believing there is hope, a possible solution for domestic violence. This is the class everyone has been talking about!” Elliott Guttmann NMDPS Legal Instructor Location New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy 4491 Cerrillos Rd. Santa Fe, New Mexico Auditorium Date & Time Tuesday, February 28, 2012 6:00pm – 8:00pm Cost FREE To register for this presentation please contact: Marissa Tapia at 505-827-9259 or by email: [email protected] To book this Speaker for your department, call or email: [email protected] (505)670-8673