Survivors of domestic violence in Clackamas County will speak out about "life after leaving" during a panel discussion on Wednesday, Oct. 24, at the Community Corrections building across from the Oregon City Transit Center, 1024 Main St.

Patricia Barrera, the county's victim services coordinator, is looking forward to highlighting how women escape violence and end up leading healthy lives.

For the safety of victims, they will go only by their first names, which may be a pseudonym.

"I'm tired of those murder-suicide stories, and for every one of those there are 10 women who have gotten out of an abusive relationship," Barrera said.

October is the 25th year that Clackamas County has celebrated Child Abuse Prevention month at its inception. While activities have varied since the county first celebrated the month, its focus remains unchanged: mourning those who have died from domestic violence, celebrating survivors, connecting those who work to end violence and empowering the public through education campaigns.

Women’s Empowerment Project in Clackamas County also has a class that covers many facets of domestic violence, including physical, psychological/mental, sexual, economic and legal abuse.

"I took this 14-week class earlier in the year, and it was excellent," said Donja Bunnell of Mulino. "Some women were still in relationships but were contemplating their futures, some were newly out of an abusive relationship, and others had been out for a couple of years. You didn’t feel judged and you were surrounded by women who understood your situation."

Call Patricia Barrera for more information, 503-655-8776.