Soroptimist International is a philanthropic group that works to provide the best for women. The organization’s local chapter is extending that to help women in one of the most vulnerable times of their lives: during a divorce or separation.
The “Women in Transition” seminar will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8, at The Outlook at The Duncan Center, 500 W. Loockerman St., Dover.
Soroptimist member and event organizer Kelly McKown said the group wanted to put together a comprehensive program for women going through this taxing time.
So they recruited professionals to discuss legal issues, tax matters, psychological issues, employment help, self defense and domestic violence. Presenters will speak for about 30 minutes each, and will have a 30-minute question-and-answer period at the end of the seminar.
McKown is especially happy the event is covering the domestic violence aspect of separation.
“Most people don’t realize the potential for a relationship to become violent,” McKown said.
Chereyn Hormlish, associate director of domestic violence services at People’s Place, will be on hand to talk about protection from domestic violence and support services, and Anthony Kemmerlin will speak about self defense. Kemmerlin owns Confrontational Science Research Center in Milford, which teaches counter-predator training related to stalking, isolation or ambush. He has been a martial arts instructor for 46 years.
Another speaker is Carol Braverman, who has dual interests in the seminar. She is a longtime member of Soroptimists and has been practicing family law for more than 30 years. During the seminar, she’ll focus on practical knowledge that women need to know when considering a separation or divorce.
For instance, women can change the locks on their house if separated. They also won’t necessarily lose everything if they committed adultery, and are technically separated if they no longer share a bed with their husband.
Some people come in with plenty of information, although many times it’s wrong.
“The trouble is that they have knowledge of what Aunt Betty did in California,” Braverman said.
“Every state’s law is individual when it comes to divorce and separation.”
She said divorce is a lot easier than it used to be now that there’s a formula for figuring out child support payment. She also advises women with children that alimony is not always a better choice than child support.
“Before you start , before the separation, talk to someone about your rights and responsibilities because you don’t even begin to know how you can protect yourself,” Braverman said.
