On October 22, 2009, at 9:00 a.m., the Sacramento Domestic Violence Prevention Collaboration (DVPC) will honor those who go above and beyond, to show compassion to domestic violence survivors and are dedicated to ending the cycle of family violence.  The ceremony will take place in the upstairs boardroom of the Child Abuse Prevention Center located at 4700 Roseville Rd. in North Highlands.

The Sacramento Police Department is a proud participant in the DVPC, which consists of representatives from law enforcement, government, and local non-profit organizations.  The DVPC is non-profit, in that, they rely solely on donations to complete the work they do.  They provide a multi-agency response dedicated to the prevention of domestic violence through advocacy, intervention, education and training, law enforcement, and coordination of resources.  The DVPC is co-chaired by Nilda Valmores of "My Sister's House", and Gina Haynes, a lieutenant for the Sacramento Police Department.  They meet the first Thursday of each month. 

Two award recipients are associated with the Sacramento Police Department.  Officer Carolyn Stephens is being recognized for her tireless work in creating a pamphlet regarding the effects of domestic violence on children.  The pamphlet titled, "Domestic Violence and Children: Facts and Resources," is an informative brochure that not only details physiological effects on children, but also provides local and Internet resources for those in need. 

Dave Cropp, a retired Sacramento Police Sergeant, is being awarded for his efforts in forming the DVPC in 2003.  He was instrumental in the DVPC hosting two large training conferences and he assisted in creating training cards for police officers and other responders to domestic violence.  He is also being recognized for his work in SPD's Family Abuse Unit, helping the victims of domestic violence. 

Media is encouraged to attend.  Please direct any inquiries to Sergeant Norm Leong at (916) 808-0808.