LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A local tragedy inspired the University of Louisville to establish a new initiative focused on preventing intimate partner violence.
The university’s Brandeis School of Law will launch the Mary Byron Center and an endowed chair dedicated to addressing intimate partner violence through education, research and policy.
The initiative builds on the work of the Mary Byron Project, created after the 1993 killing of Louisville resident Mary Byron by her estranged ex-boyfriend.
University leaders said in a news release Thursday that the goal is to make UofL a leader in teaching students how to recognize, respond to and prevent intimate partner violence.
"The Mary Byron Endowed Chair will not only lead IPV law and policy education but also engage in unprecedented transdisciplinary collaboration," said Dean Melanie B. Jacobs.
The center will work across multiple areas of the university — including social work, medicine, education and business — to strengthen prevention efforts and expand support for survivors.
It also builds on existing resources at the law school, including a clinic that serves survivors in Jefferson County.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said addressing violence in the home plays a major role in improving overall public safety.
Organizers said the center will also host an annual conference to bring together professionals from across the country to share ideas and best practices.
"My daughter Mary’s name lives on," said Pat Byron, Mary Byron's mother. "The important work begun by the Mary Byron Project will continue, helping train the next generation of advocates – lawyers and lay people, alike. With each of these important steps we get closer to making 'no more' a reality."
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