A Pledge to Avoid Domestic Violence

Shoppers at The Oaks mall will have the opportunity to make a statement against domestic violence Saturday by creating a “Hands Are Not for Hitting” mural.

People of all ages will be given a chance to paint, draw or trace their hands on a 36-square-foot canvas, sign it and make the pledge, “My hand will commit no violence.”

The event, to be held from noon to 5 p.m. in the mall’s center court, is sponsored by Interface Children Family Services of Ventura County.

It is designed to educate the public about domestic violence and encourage children and adults to avoid using violence in relationships.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month.

“If [the mural] gets filled up, we’ll have interconnecting hands, which is a nice idea,” said Chris Rutter, Interface’s community services director.

Beginning next week, the mural will be on display at Interface’s main office in Camarillo.

It is expected to remain there for several months, Rutter said.

The agency provides emergency and transitional shelter, individual and group counseling and advocacy services for battered women and their children.

Rutter said that Interface provided help for more than 3,800 women and 2,000 children during the 1997 fiscal year, which ended June 30.

For more information on the event or services, call 485-6114, Ext. 610.