NFMMC: Child Advocacy Center of Niagara to present Safe at Home Conference 2025

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Press Release

The Child Advocacy Center of Niagara (CAC), a service of Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center (NFMMC), in collaboration with the Niagara County Family Violence Intervention Project, announces its 25th annual Safe at Home: Seeking Solutions to End Family Violence Conference, taking place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Niagara Falls.

The conference, which stands out as the only of its kind in the Niagara Region, will bring together local experts to comprehensively examine critical issues concerning family violence, child abuse, and trauma. Through a mix of compelling survivor stories and interactive workshops, this year’s event will provide attendees with new strategies and tools to support intervention, and healing.

"This year marks a significant milestone in the history of the Niagara County Family Violence Intervention Project (FVIP),” said Shelley Hitzel, LMSW, executive director of the Child Advocacy Center. “For over 25 years, FVIP has brought together professionals from across disciplines to promote collaborative and innovative ways to not only address but also prevent all types of family violence. We are excited to honor FVIP legacy this year by hosting a lineup of local experts with diverse experience and expertise. We aim to equip professionals with the knowledge and resources to drive meaningful, lasting change in their communities.”

The conference’s featured speakers include Schuyler County District Attorney Joseph Fazzary, recent recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by the New York State Office of Victim Services; and Kelly Marie Wofford, director of health equity, mental health and wellness advocate, doula, and founder, Front Seat Life LLC. Both speakers will be discussing their lived experience and sharing strategies for working alongside survivors.

Afternoon workshops by local experts will include sessions led by Dr. Dana Radatz, professor in the department of criminology and criminal justice at Niagara University; and Matthew Stegner, retired senior investigator, New York State Police and Founder of Stegner Consulting & Training.

The event will also include a toiletry drive for survivors seeking emergency shelter, a number of survivor-created art displays including The Clothes Line Project, awareness initiatives and community resources.

Registration is $60 and includes a buffet lunch. The registration deadline is Oct. 15. Lodging is available via the DoubleTree by Hilton. Early registration is highly recommended. For more information or to register, visit Family Violence Intervention Project – Child Advocacy Center of Niagara.

More about the Child Advocacy Center of Niagara: The Child Advocacy Center of Niagara is a nonprofit organization accredited by the National Children's Alliance and designated by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. It is a service provided by Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center.

The center collaborates with various professionals such as law enforcement, child protection agencies, prosecutors, victim advocates, medical professionals, and mental health practitioners to provide a child-centered facility that aims to minimize trauma for children. It offers investigative interviews and other services in a comfortable environment. Additionally, the center provides access to medical, mental health, advocacy, and support services.

For more information, visit cacofniagara.org or call 716-285-0045.

Image courtesy of the Child Advocacy Center of Niagara.