Mar 28

Mar 28 For Better Families

Momentum Conference Aims To Help Men Be Better Men

Photos By Jermoni Dowd

There is a way to help men be better men to their families – and especially the women around them. It starts by talking.

The Prince George’s County, Department of Family Services, Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Division hosted MOMENTUM: Men Making our Relationships Excellent at Camelot by Martin’s, Mar. 23.

“The Momentum Conference is a powerful assembly and incredible display of a united effort,” said Director of Family Services, Elana Belon-Butler. “It is a phenomenal sight for me to see the number of men and young men who have made the decision to step up, stand up and eliminate Domestic violence in our County. From July 2017 to June 2018, according to the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence, there were 6 domestic violence related fatalities in Prince George’s County. While that number is relatively low and has decreased in recent years, one fatality is one too many. The Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking division has made tremendous strides in the last four years and is leading the way through education, awareness, multiple outreach efforts, training, workshops, symposiums and conferences like this one to help end domestic violence Prince George’s County.”

The event focused on opening a dialogue between men and young males about promoting healthy relationships, and featured Author and Keynote Speaker, Brian Heat.

The MOMENTUM Conference brought together leaders of the faith-based community, non-profit organizations, community activist, mentoring organizations and county officials, and will feature breakout sessions for de-escalation techniques, social media etiquette, fatherhood, identifying a child in crisis, types of domestic violence and more.

“According to the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence, domestic violence happens to 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men across the country,” said Belon-Butler. “The State of Maryland experienced 46 domestic violence fatalities from July 2016 through June 2017; with 5 fatalities occurring in Prince George’s County. While this is a significant reduction from the state’s previous year of fatalities, 55, and 18 in Prince George’s County, there is still more to do to help improve the lives of our citizens.”