DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS EVENT AT PNWU
On October 20 at noon, Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences will host a special event aimed at increasing awareness of domestic violence and equipping future healthcare professionals with the tools to recognize its signs in clinical settings. The event, made possible through a grant from Bright Sky, will feature a speaker from YWCA Yakima and is co-sponsored by the Women in Medicine club.
The grant was applied for and awarded to Sheryl Lal, a third-year Doctor of Physical Therapy student at PNWU.
Sheryl was inspired to organize the event after witnessing the impact of domestic violence in her rural community and through her volunteer work at Triumph Treatment Services. “In Yakima County alone, over 200 domestic violence incidents are reported each month — totaling nearly 4,000 annually,” she shared. “This reality inspired me to plan an event focused on domestic violence awareness, with the goal of helping future providers recognize the warning signs and better support individuals affected by it.”
The event will focus on helping students, faculty, and staff identify subtle physical, emotional, and behavioral indicators of abuse — signs that may not be openly disclosed by patients. “Healthcare professionals are often among the first points of contact for victims seeking care,” Sheryl explained. “Early recognition allows providers to offer appropriate resources, ensure patient safety, and prevent further harm.”
Sheryl hopes attendees leave the event feeling more confident in having difficult conversations, making appropriate referrals, and fostering a safe, supportive environment for victims. “Ultimately, my goal is for healthcare providers to recognize their vital role in early intervention and to approach this issue with greater empathy, sensitivity, and confidence.”
Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to attend and to continue spreading awareness by engaging in open conversations and connecting with campus resources, such as PNWU’s counselor, Nubia Delgado (mdelgado@pnwu.edu).
Event details:
- Monday, October 20
- 12:00 pm
- Butler-Haney Hall 301
- Lunch will be provided, and attendees will receive a free sweatshirt
This event is made possible thanks to support from Western Region Continuums of Service Consortium, Bright Sky, YWCA Yakima, the Women in Medicine club, and a dedicated team of student volunteers: Taylor Leistiko, Kat Mislinski, Laura Litauszki, Lelia Rettig, Karina Cardenas, Chole Williams, Jessica Brewer, and Rachel Simmons.