A father whose daughter was murdered by her ex-boyfriend will give an unforgettable speech to mark Domestic Violence Awareness Week on Wednesday, October 7, 6 p.m. in the University Center Auditorium.
Tom Santoro’s 18-year old daughter, Lisa, was killed on July 29, 1994—in three weeks, she would have been a first year student at the University of Iowa.
Santoro turned his pain into a mission to end dating violence. He has shared his daughter’s story at over 250 high schools and colleges throughout the country. He has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show and Montel Williams as a father who kept his daughter’s spirit alive. In Chicago, Channel 2 highlighted him as “Someone You Should Know.”
Before starting the “Dear Lisa” Program, Santoro was a Deputy Fire Chief outside of Chicago. He also worked for the Circuit Court of Cook County in Illinois in the Domestic Violence Unit helping victims with Orders of Protection. He currently speaks full time, devoting his energy to educating students about dating violence as well as the characteristics of healthy relationships. Santoro’s program rarely leaves a dry eye in the room, and students are consistently empowered by his words of strength.
Throughout the week, silent witness displays will be set up on campus. Please see http://www.silentwitness.net/ for more information.
These events are sponsored by The Women’s Center and Education and Advocacy Transformation Project.
