Many Hands Contribute to Anti-Violence Mural

Lori Gennette had her boys help create the “Hands Are Not for Hitting” mural Saturday because she wanted to reinforce that there are other ways of dealing with conflicts than through violence.

“I figured it would be a good teaching experience for them,” the Simi Valley resident said of 3-year-old Travis and 7-year-old Adam.

“I hope it’s something they’ll remember and if they ever get into a situation, maybe they’ll think twice about hitting somebody,” Gennette said.

Interface Family Services offered Ventura County children an opportunity to commit to a violence-free life Saturday at The Oaks mall in Thousand Oaks, where children dipped their hands in paint and then left imprints on a canvas. Next to their handprints, they signed their names and ages.

“By doing this, they are taking the pledge that they will commit no violence,” said April Howard, community relations specialist for the Domestic Violence Services division of Interface.

About 75 children, ages 6 months to 18 years, illustrated that pledge on the mural, which will circulate throughout Ventura County whenever Interface conducts domestic violence presentations.

“If we can start now with these kids and teach them that violence is not OK, then we can change the philosophy that violence is acceptable,” Howard said.

In addition to taking the pledge of nonviolence, children and teenagers also received information about how to seek help in domestic violence or date rape situations.

“In this society, men are still dominant in the family, and a lot of times they still hit,” Gennette said. “Families are changing, but not fast enough. But if we keep teaching our boys that hitting is not the correct way to deal with things, then soon the pattern will change.”