EUGENE–Because the roots of violence are imbedded deeply in our society, prevention must address not only the individual offender, but also the role of the family, schools and communities in preventing violence.

That’s the thrust of a panel discussion that will be held at the University of Oregon from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 6. The event includes a dinner and will be held in Room 220 of Gerlinger Hall, 1468 University St. The cost is $25.

The presentation will bring together national experts from various human service fields to address the issue of violence from a systemic perspective. Panelists will present preventive approaches from various fields. A question-and-answer session will follow.

School counselors, teachers, administrators, therapists, family advocates, human services personnel, clergy or anyone interested in families and community violence are invited to attend. Participants will have an opportunity to discuss issues with the experts. The evening event is hosted by the University of Oregon’s Marriage and Family Therapy Program.

Panel presenters include Anna Beth Benningfield, president of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy in Washington, D.C.; Richard C. Schwartz, staff therapist at Northwestern University’s Family Institute; Jeffrey R. Sprague, co-director of the UO Institute on Violence and Destructive Behavior; and Steve Carmichael, director of the Lane County Department of Youth Services.

Anita Berardi Maher, president of the Oregon Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, will moderate the discussion.

The event, part the Oregon Association for Marriage and Family Therapy’s fall conference, is co-sponsored by the University of Oregon, George Fox University, Lewis and Clark College and Portland State University.

For more information, call John K. Miller, a UO adjunct assistant professor of applied behavioral and communication sciences, (541) 346-0909.

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