University News
"Dear Lisa" Program at WIU March 25
March 21, 2002
MACOMB, IL -- On July 29, 1994, Tom Santoro's 18-year-old daughter, Lisa, was murdered by her ex-boyfriend.
Since experiencing one of life's most tragic lessons, Santoro has committed himself to help stop dating violence. Santoro will bring his "Life Lessons" program to Western Illinois University at 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 25 in the University Union Grand Ballroom. His presentation, open free to the public, is part of WIU's Women's History Month activities.
According to WIU Women's Center Director Janine Cavicchia, Santoro speaks on dating violence awareness and education in his program called "Dear Lisa."
"He tells the story of what happened to Lisa. The program is designed to encourage students to recognize patterns, escalation and incidents of abuse in dangerous relationships," Cavicchia explained. "Tom facilitates discussion about domestic and dating violence that allows students to share their perceptions. He provides a clear explanation about the different forms of abuse and helps bring this topic out of the shadows to elevate awareness."
In "Dear Lisa," Santaro addresses such questions as "What are the warning signs?", "How can you tell if your date or significant other is abusive?", "Can you detect abuse from outside a relationship?", "Can you intervene and how?" and "What can law enforcement do? "
Santoro has visited more than 200 colleges and high schools throughout the country, speaking to over 200,000 students and teachers. In September 2000 he spoke at the University of Iowa, the school where Lisa would have enrolled, three weeks after the date of her death. WBBM-TV in Chicago has remarked that Tom Santaro is "someone you should know," while Oprah Winfrey hails him as "a father who keeps his daughter's spirit alive."
"Santoro relates the lessons he has learned with hopes that Lisa's death will serve as a cautionary message for others and prevent dating violence and domestic violence before it's too late," Cavicchia said.
Funding for this program is provided by the Women's Center and proceeds from the V-Day College Campaign. Co-sponsors include WIU's Relationship Violence Prevention and Education Committee, Beu Health Center, Office of Student Activities, Student Development and Orientation, University Counseling Center, Women's Studies, the Office of Public Safety, and WIRC Victim Services Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault programs.
For more information, contact the WIU Women's Center at 309/298-2242.
Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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