Conference examines preventing abuse

A group of Cal State Long Beach women's studies students hosted a conference on domestic violence in Los Cerritos Residence Halls Wednesday evening.

CSULB students and faculty members discussed domestic violence against women and how to recognize the warning signs of an abusive relationship at the informal conference, "What's Love Got to Do With it?"

At the conference, Clyde Vaughan, an assistant coach for the CSULB men's basketball team, said that men commonly mistreat women violently in relationships and that women should not accept this behavior.

Vaughan admitted that he is not an expert on domestic violence but has researched the subject and spoken to several people about it, so he could participate in the conference.

"When they asked me to participate, I was hesitant at first, but then I decided to do it," Vaughan said. "I wanted to do something good to help women."

In addition to Vaughan, CSULB post-graduate student Felyce Thomas spoke on the importance of communication skills in a relationship and on how to respond to one another in the best way.

Also, Kristine Milkovich spoke about the recent double murdersuicide of Long Beach residents Robbie Stevens and Stacia Torres, a former Miss Lakewood and co-worker of Milkovich.

"They seemed like the perfect couple, but they weren't," Milkovich said.

Wendy Griffin, an assistant professor of women's studies, gave tips on spotting the warning signs of a possibly abusive man. Griffin said that an abusive upbringing, as well as an aggressive driving style, could be indicators of future domestic violence.

Griffin also said that if a man physically abuses a woman, there is a strong possibility that it will continue to happen.

"You both want to believe that it will never happen again, but when you forgive him, he learns that you will (probably) forgive him (again)," Griffin said.

The students who organized and hosted the conference are enrolled in Griffin's women in power class at CSULB.

The conference was part a class project.