Irvine, Calif., Oct. 13, 2014 – UC Irvine’s new Interdisciplinary Center on Family Violence, which unites community partners with faculty from 20 UCI departments, will host a launch event 1:30-4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at the Delhi Center, 505 E. Central Ave., in Santa Ana.

By bringing together expertise in biological and physical sciences, engineering, information & computer sciences, art, law, medicine and health sciences, social sciences and social ecology, the ICFV aims to be the premier site for research, education, clinical care and community collaboration on family violence prevention and intervention.

It’s led by Ellen Olshansky, professor of nursing science; Jane Stoever, assistant clinical professor of law and director of UCI Law’s Domestic Violence Clinic; and Dr. Julianne Toohey, professor of obstetrics & gynecology.

The community launch of the ICFV follows the third annual Orange County Women’s Health Policy Summit, also at the Delhi Center, focusing on policy recommendations related to domestic violence, breast cancer, cervical cancer and teen reproductive health disparities in Orange County.

Stoever – who recently published an article on CNN Opinion about the devastating prevalence of family violence in the U.S. – will introduce the ICFV, followed by a slate of presenters on research projects, legal and medical clinical work, and current community partnerships. They include:

  • Dr. Sandra Murray, associate clinical professor of pediatrics
  • Jodi Quas, professor of psychology & social behavior and nursing science
  • Ray Novaco, professor of psychology & social behavior
  • Dr. Lisa Gibbs, chief of geriatrics & gerontology
  • Frithjof Kruggel, professor of biomedical engineering
  • Vivian Clecak, CEO of Human Options

After the presentations, Toohey will lead a guided table discussion on research and service needs and potential partnerships in the community. The event will conclude with a reception.

About the University of California, Irvine: Founded in 1965, UCI is the youngest member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. The campus has produced three Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UCI has more than 28,000 students and offers 192 degree programs. Located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities, it’s Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $4.8 billion annually to the local economy.

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