Community Corner

Workshop Aims to Get Community Talking About Domestic Violence

Free event spurred by murder of Kim Conover, a Petaluma teacher killed by her estranged husband in April.

This April, Petaluma teacher and mom was killed by her husband who then turned the gun on himself. The murder-suicide stunned the community, especially after news came out that Conover had left an abusive relationship and had been denied a request for an emergency restraining order by a Sonoma County judge.

Now, one local group wants to get the community talking about domestic violence in hopes of averting a similar tragedy in the future.

On Sunday, August 12, The Fabulous Women, a Petaluma organization that fundraises for both local and international causes, will hold a community workshop called “Let’s Face It.”

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“We care about Kim’s story and how often the cycle of abuse touches women from all walks of life,” says Krista Gawronski, who founded the charity in 2006. “There is great benefit in understanding the dynamics of an abusive relationship.”

The free workshop will include presentations from experts on domestic violence, information about local resources and self-defense demonstrations. The group is encouraging teen girls to attend (with an adult) because abuse is increasingly common in teen relationships.

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“Learning to use our voice and follow our instincts is important,” says Gawronski, adding that the event will be dedicated to Conover’s memory. “She had a passionate spirit for teaching, so it seems fitting to honor her life with a day that promotes love and valuable life lessons.”

Attendees are asked to RSVP by August 5 by emailing thefabulouswomen@gmail.com and bring a beverage or an appetizer to share. The event will be held Sunday, August 12 from 2-5pm at the Lucchesi Community Center, 320 North Mc Dowell Blvd. Free, although donations for Kim Conover’s four children are encouraged.


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