The North Las Vegas Police Department will hold its 3rd Annual African-American Victim Services Forum from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 20, at Victory Baptist Church, 500 W. Monroe in Las Vegas.

The Police Department is partnering with the church because it serves about 15,000 people, many of them from North Las Vegas, and many of whom are in need of victim services.  The event is intended to increase awareness of domestic violence in faith-based communities and the community at large.  The forum aims to educate underserved populations who otherwise might not seek victim advocacy support.

The forum will include a panel of experts, including Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto.  Several other local law enforcement and victim support agencies are expected to participate.  This year, the event is expected to draw more than 200 people, nearly double the attendance of the 2007 forum.

"Domestic violence is a severe problem in our society," said event coordinator Rebeca Ferreira, who is a victim advocate with the North Las Vegas Police Department.  "We hope that by educating the community and providing information and resources to those participating we can help reduce the incidences of domestic violence among our residents."

Event participants will receive victim services literature.  They also will have the opportunity to be in a drawing for prizes.  Food and beverages will be provided.

For more information, please contact Ferreira at 633-1017 ext. 5084.