by Stacey Mleczko
Staff Writer
People read about it in newspapers daily. They see it in movies weekly. They may even play witness to it on occasion. It is violence.
It is not just a national concern. According to the University of La Verne Psychology Department, there have been 1,775 violent crimes, 54 rapes and 1,258 domestic incidents in the Pomona and La Verne communities in the past two years.
“There is plenty of child abuse reported in La Verne, in Claremont, San Dimas and Pomona,” said Dr. Mary Prieto-Bayard, professor of psychology at ULV. “It is a problem. There is a need to educate people about that.”
Wednesday, the Department of Psychology and Graduate Studies, in conjunction with the Communications Department, produced a live one-hour television show that aired on LVTV, La Verne’s cable access channel.
The program, conceived by first year Clinical-Community Psychology students, Rene Roberg, Elena Krishtal, Elizabeth Ryan and Adam Herdina focused on domestic violence.
The panel of speakers consisted of ULV students and faculty, as well as experts from the House of Ruth and Project Sister. Community viewers were encouraged to participate through a call-in feature and voice their questions, comments and concerns.
“A lot of people who are involved with or know someone involved with domestic violence don’t know how to deal with it or its issues,” said Chris Villalobos, associate executive producer of the show.
“They don’t know how to get away from a bad situation. They think it’s worse if they leave than if they stay,” he said.
“This [program] can help them realize that they have nothing to lose,” he said. “Here’s a show telling [victims] this is why this is happening. You have more to live for, there’s more out there for you.”
The writers and producers said they believe it can help people who otherwise may not seek out help.
The April 5 show will present the public with a new discussion panel explicating child abuse and community violence. Representatives from local organizations will assist ULV faculty and staff in their extensive effort of cognizance.
Although the live broadcasting will only take place once a month, a taped version of the program airs every Wednesday from 7-8 p.m. for viewing convenience.
Lastly, the project will end where statistics will not. The May 3 panel will broaden its focus and feature a macro information session including facts, laws and possible solutions to aid in the reduction of violence.
The tapes will also be showcased at various times on campus and will be available as educational aids to instructors, students and on-campus organizations.
An additional goal of the participating departments is to branch out access to Pomona, San Dimas and other cities with cable access.
