St. John's News
Office of Community Relations hosted Domestic Violence Seminar
March 28, 2006
The St. John's University Office of Community Relations hosted a
special one-hour seminar dedicated to the shared observations of a
St. John’s University graduate student in the Master’s of
Criminology and Justice Program. Ms. Shermaine Manifold discussed
the issues of domestic violence as a public health problem and the
effects of domestic violence on college students, based on her
experience as a student ambassador with the Office of Court
Administration. Particular emphasis on recent initiatives within
the court system, such as Integrated Domestic Violence
Courts, court interpreting services and the Court Disputes Referral
Center, were discussed. Gregory Murray, Director of Public Affairs,
and Tony Walters, Senior Management Analyst/Public Information
Officer and other representatives of the New York State Unified
Court System attended the event.
“St. John's has a culture for respecting women and healthy
interpersonal interactions,” Ms. Manifold said. “Presenting this
information and becoming involved as a peer educator to promote
domestic violence awareness is a good way to join the St. John's
tradition of excellence and service.” Ms. Manifold will graduate in
May 2006 from St. John’s College, Department of Sociology, Graduate
Division of Arts and Sciences.
Joseph Sciame, St. John's University Vice President for
Community Relations, commented, “This is one of many ways to
observe Women’s History Month on campus, as well as to continue to
promote an environment of respect and dignity in our community.
We’re also, of course, always very proud of our students and happy
to celebrate their accomplishments.”