Domestic Violence has taken center stage in recent days, as the National Football League has struggled with disclosures of its players’ alleged domestic abuse, including that of Adrian Peterson, star running back for the Minnesota Vikings, and of Ray Rice, formerly of the Baltimore Ravens, and the video of his assault on his wife in a casino elevator. These events have sparked national discussion of the ongoing problem of domestic violence that affects 1.6 million women each year.

Coincidentally and fittingly, October has long been designated Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Catherine Collins, a mentor with the college’s Buffalo location, will share her expertise on a panel discussing the issue Wednesday, Oct. 15, as well as highlight domestic violence on her own women’s health radio show (AM 1400, Buffalo), on Oct. 4 and 18, in a program titled "Domestic Violence and Women’s Health." She also was a guest on Rita Hubbard Robinson’s radio program on WUFO to talk about the problem earlier this month. Hubbard-Robinson is director of Institutional Advancement for Erie County Medical Center’s Lifeline Foundation.

The program Collins will be featured in, “Making Connections,” will also feature a screening of the documentary “Crime after Crime: the Battle to Free Deborah Peagler,” which premiered at the Sundance Festival.

Collins, a mentor in community and human services, has been a longtime advocate against violence against women and children. She said domestic violence costs the U.S. $5.8 billion a year, including approximately $4.1 billion in medical costs alone. The forum, at which Empire State College will have a table and the radio shows, are designed “to get the message out” about the issue. She will urge women affected by domestic violence to call the local and National Domestic Violence hotlines, or avail themselves of local crisis services. Her students in the family violence course will attend and be on hand to answer questions.

The program is slated for 4 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 15, at the Erie County Medical Center, Smith Auditorium.

The panel Oct. 15 will discuss crisis services, domestic violence and the courts and Haven House, a home in Buffalo for abused survivors where they may receive services.The program is free, but attendees must register by calling 716-961-7779. Refreshments will be served.