Amy's Story Spreading Across PA in a Fight Against Domestic Violence

By Calvin Azuri

TMCnet Contributor

 

Community events will be hosted to raise awareness of services available to victims of domestic violence and at-risk individuals. The events will be hosted by four Public Broadcast System stations across Pennsylvania. The events are being hosted in collaboration with Verizon to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Screenings of 'Telling Amy's Story' will be held as part of the events, in which PBS stations throughout the country have been airing this powerful documentary.

 

The time leading up to the death of Amy Homan McGee has been chronicled in 'Telling Amy's Story." This is a story of a mother of two who was shot and killed by her husband. The story has been created by Penn State Public Broadcasting.

 

In a press release, Gale Y. Given, president of Verizon (News - Alert) Pennsylvania, said, 'We believe that 'Telling Amy's Story' can serve as a catalyst to bring communities together to talk about domestic violence and address a significant challenge for our society. While we never will be able to change the ending to Amy's story, we hope that it will change outcomes for millions of victims, survivors and loved ones affected by domestic violence every day.'      

 

The issue of domestic violence is addressed by the Penn State University in collaboration with Verizon Foundation through the documentary. A domestic violence prevention training program for the university's students and faculty will be funded through a $385,000 grant.

 

WQLN in Erie will be hosting the event on Oct. 6. The event will be hosted on Oct. 12 by WHYY in Philadelphia. Similarly, WLVT in the Allentown/Bethlehem/Easton region will be hosting the event on Oct. 21 and WQED in Pittsburgh on Nov. 18. A special screening of the documentary will be included in the events.

 

Since 2007, more than $15 million grants have been given by Verizon Foundation to nonprofits that support victims of domestic violence.