Forum to address female sexual assault

(THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – Sept. 10, 2013) The Thousand Oaks Police Department and California Lutheran University are presenting a free event on Saturday, Sept. 28, to educate to women on the dangers of dating violence and sexual assault.

“Empowered: Take Charge of Your Health and Safety” will run from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Lundring Events Center on CLU’s Thousand Oaks campus.

Organized in response to an alarming increase in sexual assaults of women aged 18 to 24 in Thousand Oaks, the forum will feature presentations on how young women can take charge of their safety, health, nutrition and self-esteem.

Maureen Shea, a professional boxer from Ventura who was Hilary Swank’s main sparring partner as she prepared for the movie “Million Dollar Baby,” will present the keynote address, “How I Took Control of My Life.” In an abusive relationship at 19, Shea began going to a gym because she didn’t think she looked good enough for her boyfriend. Boxing taught her to depend on herself and dig deep to face the challenges in her life.

Margaret Allan, a clinical consultant and supervisor for CLU’s master’s degree program in marriage and family therapy and doctoral program in psychology, will speak about dealing with trauma. Jenna and Daniel Knauss of CLU’s Verizon Intimate Partner Violence Intervention Program will cover dating violence. Robert Ferguson, a nationally recognized wellness expert, will give a presentation on fitness and nutrition. Dr. Hannah Grossman, the chief medical officer of Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center, will share information on women’s health.

Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided and there will be a raffle for gifts. Several community organizations will have resource tables.

Los Robles Hospital, the City of Thousand Oaks, Engage in Recovery, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office and Soroptimist of the Conejo are also supporting the event.

Lundring Events Center is located in the Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center, which is north of Olsen Road near Mountclef Boulevard.

For more information or to register, got to www.empoweredwomen.eventbrite.com or contact Senior Deputy Tim Lohman at 805-371-8362. Due to the mature subject matter, participants aged 17 and younger must provide a parental consent form or be accompanied by a parent or guardian.