Santa Fe, NM – Esperanza Shelter — a shelter for those threatened by domestic violence in Northern New Mexico—invites the community to join in an important discussion on domestic violence and how it affects everyone in the community. To raise awareness of the issue, as well as to empower and equip the community with tools to prevent domestic violence, Esperanza Shelter is joining forces with Former Nashville Police Officer and leading national domestic violence expert, Lt. Mark Wynn, for an evening of film, discussion, and action. A national trainer to police executives, patrol officers, training officers, prosecutors, judges, legislators, social service providers, healthcare professionals and victim advocates, Wynn will offer a wealth of expertise, insight, and actionable steps toward preventing violence to the Santa Fe community.

Taking place on Thursday, June 19, Esperanza and Lt. Wynn will host a screening of Wynn’s documentary film, This is Where I Learned Not to Sleep, followed by a question-and-answer session with Wynn, Chief of Police Paul Joye, Dr. Victor LaCerva, and Leila Kelly, Domestic Violence Advisor to the City of Santa Fe. Focusing on bringing men into the discussion on domestic violence prevention, Wynn’s nationally acclaimed domestic violence education addresses important topics such as creating better systems for survivors, how men can stand up and prevent violence, how cultures and values around domestic violence can shift for the better, and how to prevent biases toward survivors of violence.

“Family violence is pervasive, affecting almost all of us in one way or another, and we’re working diligently to put an end to the cycle of abuse,” said Wynn. “That requires having difficult discussions, removing shame and stigma for survivors, and bringing everyone to the table to find solutions—men and women. I’m thrilled to bring my work to New Mexico and join forces with Esperanza Shelter to broaden the conversation surrounding domestic violence and prevention, as this is not simply a police issue or a women’s issue. It is a human rights issue, and everyone deserves to live in safety.”

“We invite all in the community to join in this incredible and impactful event,” said Jan M. McCray, J.D. Chief Executive Officer for Esperanza Shelter. “By engaging men in the conversation about domestic violence prevention, we open up the dialogue for a safer, more peaceful Santa Fe for all. We hope all will join us for a chance to watch Lt. Wynn’s film, discuss the issues of domestic violence in our community with local experts, and take action.”

The screening and panel will take place from 6:30 – 8:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church, located at 208 Grant Street. Tickets are not required, but RSVPs are requested. To RSVP, call (505) 230-4305 or email development@esperanzashelter.org.

In conjunction with the event, Esperanza Shelter will be unveiling their new Men Against Domestic Violence Initiative, in which founding fathers from across the state will be working together to raise awareness to end domestic violence. In attendance will be Colin Estrem, a founding father of Gentle’men Against Domestic Violence in Naples, Florida.

For more information or to connect with services, visit https://esperanzashelter.org.