• Home
  • Posts
  • October is Domestic Violence Awareness, Prevention Month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness, Prevention Month

ywca-domestic-violence

October is Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. Last year, YWCA Greenwich responded to more than 3,700 calls to its hotline, and nearly every day, someone also went directly to YWCA Greenwich seeking help. YWCA Greenwich is the only state designated provider of domestic abuse services for victims of domestic violence in Greenwich with staff who are licensed to provide a variety of victim services.

On Tuesday, Oct. 1, 12 p.m., First Selectman Peter Tesei will read a proclamation designating October as Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. Other speakers will include Mary Lee Kiernan, Meredith Gold, Director, YWCA Greenwich Domestic Abuse Services, and Greenwich Police Chief Jim Heavey. The event will take place on the steps of Town Hall and all members of the community are invited to attend.

On Sunday, Oct. 6, YWCA Greenwich is hosting a community-wide walk to raise awareness and funds for YWCA Greenwich Domestic Abuse Services and education. YWCA Greenwich Walk the Walk Against Domestic Violence will be a family-friendly event that takes place at Bruce Park, Woods Road Picnic Area. Check-in will open at 8:30 a.m. Members of the community are encouraged to form teams, come with friends and family, and even dogs are welcome. To register, go to ywcagrn.org/walkthewalk. Proceeds from the event will support the work of YWCA Greenwich Domestic Abuse Services.

During October, YWCA Greenwich will also host two additional events at YWCA Greenwich, 259 East Putnam Ave. These events are free and open to the public.

  • 10 – 6 p.m.: Candlelight Vigil and Art Show Reception to honor Connecticut victims who lost their lives to domestic violence this past year. At the event, the community will hear from a survivor of abuse, and YWCA Greenwich will present the Purple Ribbon Award to Patrick Mooney, a financial services professional, for his work in providing free financial literacy counseling to YWCA Greenwich Domestic Abuse Services clients. Artwork created by Domestic Abuse Services clients and staff will also be on display in the Gertrude White Gallery for viewing after the event and through the end of the month.
  • 15, 6:30 p.m.: DV Today: A Conversation with Professor Susan Sorenson – YWCA Greenwich welcomes Professor Susan Sorenson of University of Pennsylvania, who is an expert in domestic violence. She will join Meredith Gold, Director of Domestic Abuse Services for a conversation and Q&A about the contemporary social context in which domestic violence occurs; the norms that shape whether and how violence is tolerated; impacts on the entire community; and the role of firearms.
  • 23, 4 p.m., University of Connecticut, Stamford, MPR (Room 108): A talk by Meredith Gold, Director of YWCA Greenwich Domestic Abuse Services about intimate partner abuse and violence. This will be a presentation on the foundations of family violence focusing on prevention efforts and interventions and services available for those who need help.

Also, in support of Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, Greenwich Fire, Police and Greenwich Emergency Services personnel will wear a purple ribbon lapel pin and will place purple ribbon car magnets on their official vehicles as a sign of support for victims of domestic violence.

For more information about Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month events and how to register for the walk, go to ywcagreenwich.org. If you or someone you know needs help, call the YWCA 24/7 hotline at 203-622-0003. All calls are confidential, free of charge, and no one is ever turned away.

Related Posts
Loading...