Suicide Prevention Task Force Conversation Focuses on Domestic Violence

The Farmington Area Suicide Prevention Task Force will host a Community Conversation Wednesday at focusing on abusive relationships and the risk of suicide.

Studies show that women in abusive relationships are at higher risk of attempting suicide than those in healthy relationships. Dating abuse among teen boys and girls is growing, with many teens at risk of experiencing emotional and verbal abuse as well as controlling behavior and sexual pressure.

The Suicide Prevention Task Force is encouraging open dialogue about the warning signs of abusive behaviors in relationships and will provide information on how to find help from local resources.

Featured speakers at the 7 p.m. Community Conversation will include:

• Bob Crawford - Assistant Principal, Farmington High School
• Charles Nebus – Chief of Police, City of Farmington Hills
• Robert Schulz - Director of Public Safety, City of Farmington
• Arlene Frank - Director, Oakland Community College Womencenter
• Cristy Cardinal - Director of Prevention Education, HAVEN

With a theme of “Let’s Talk About It,” the Farmington Area Suicide Prevention Task Force brings community leaders together to reach out to troubled individuals and counteract alarming trends in suicide and suicide attempts. Farmington Hills City Council Member Dr. Ken Massey, who lost hisson Graham E. Smith to suicide, has spearheaded efforts to remove the stigma and bring the topics of depression and suicide out into the open.

The meeting is sponsored by the Farmington Area Suicide Prevention Task Force and the Graham E. Smith Memorial Fund. For more information, call the City Manager’s Office at 248-871-2500.

Source: City of Farmington Hills press release