Shedding light on domestic violence: A crucial conversation
It’s personal, real and closer than you think
Pamela Payne, Clair Thomas, Elizabeth Ornelas and Farrah Stockett

The University’s Hope Team (left to right) Pamela Payne, Clair Thomas, Elizabeth Ornelas and Farrah Stockett, is a collaboration between Extension and the University’s College of Education & Human Development, working to break the cycle of violence in Nevada communities.
Over 10 million people experience domestic violence each year. One in three women and one in four men experience domestic violence, and those numbers are likely much higher.
Domestic violence transcends socioeconomic statuses, cultures and age groups. Often, societal norms, family practices and cultural beliefs mask the severity of domestic violence, pushing it into the shadows.
Debunking myths, understanding the signs and being prepared to take action are paramount. That's why initiatives like the University Hope Team’s 40-Hour Hope Advocacy Training are pivotal. The training, part of a collaboration between Extension and the College of Education & Human Development, helps advocates harness the power of information.