The SPCA of Texas will take part in the 17th annual North Texas Facing Family Violence Conference, hosted by the Collin County Council on Family Violence (CCCFV) from October 23 - 25. The annual conference is held to provide an environment where professionals can gain valuable insight into best practices and emerging trends in criminal justice response, victim assistance, education and mental health. The workshops provided at the conference are aimed at addressing the needs of professionals in a variety of different settings and disciplines. Admission is $175 for the three-day conference held at Collin College: Spring Creek Campus and $100 for one day. Prices will increase by $25 on October 1st. To purchase tickets visit ntffv.com.

The theme of this year's conference is Family and Intimate Partner Violence: Responding to Experiences Throughout the Lifespan. This includes recognizing the intersections of race, class, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and nationality. The SPCA of Texas and the North Texas LINK Coalition will have exhibit tables at the conference, where people can learn more about the link between animal cruelty and family violence. Nationally, about 71% of pet owners entering domestic violence shelters report that their abuser had threatened, injured or killed family pets. The SPCA of Texas hopes to enlighten people about this disturbing trend and highlight the resources available to victims of abuse in our community.

Featured speakers at the conference include:

• Dale Hansen, Sports Anchor, WFAA: Emcee of the conference and recipient of the Dallas Peace and Justice Center’s 2019 Inspiration Award
• Phil Arkow, Co-Founder of the National Resource Center on the LINK between Animal Abuse and Human Violence
• Felicia Kerney, Esq: Assistant District Attorney, Dallas

Additional sessions include working with trauma, working with immigrant families, what happens after the outcry, sexting, protective orders, parental alienation, support for pregnant survivors, sexual exploitation, abuse in the faith community, case studies, and using expert witnesses.