Men Against Domestic Violence Gather on Valentine's Day

HARTFORD – Dozens of prominent Connecticut men gathered at the State Capitol on Friday to proclaim that there is never ever any excuse for domestic violence or dating abuse on Valentine’s Day, or any other.

Members of Interval House’s Men Make a Difference, Men Against Domestic Violence™ (MMAD) held its 3^rd Annual “Love Shouldn’t Hurt” Valentine’s Day press conference to recognize February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and to recommit themselves to the cause.

“Domestic Violence, and dating abuse is scourge,” said U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, co-creator and co-chair of the Interval House advisory group. “It’s an evil scourge that must be eradicated.”

“Intimate partner violence is unacceptable,” Attorney General William Tong said. “Men have an obligation to stand together, to create a culture of change, and stop intimate partner violence. I am proud to join Men Make a Difference, Men Against Domestic Violence, to ensure everyone knows love shouldn’t hurt, period.”

Each year, more than 1.5 million high school teens report being physically abused in their dating relationships. And teens that experience dating abuse are also at a higher risk of engaging in unhealthy behaviors like alcohol and drug abuse, eating disorders and risky sexual activity, said Mary-Jane Foster, Interval House’s President and CEO.

“By coming together each February to talk about this difficult issue, we elevate it and raise awareness that we hope will shine a light on the issue for the whole year,” Foster said. “Today, members of Men Make a Difference, are here standing as role models for young men and boys. Shinning their light, encouraging health relationships and open and honest communications.”

Founded in 2009 by Interval House and Blumenthal, MMAD is comprised of dozens of community leaders, including: Attorney General William Tong; State Rep. Dr. William A. Petit, Jr.; Channel 8 News personalities Joe Furey and Rich Coppola; YMCA of Greater Hartford President Harold Sparrow; USA Track & Field Olympian Donn Cabral, and many more.

The group is dedicated to help end domestic violence and dating abuse by serving as role models and supporting Interval House in its mission to end all forms domestic violence and abuse.

Founded in 1977, Interval House is the largest agency in the state of Connecticut dedicated to preventing and breaking the cycle of domestic violence. Through direct and life-saving services for victims in 24 towns and cities both east and west of the Connecticut River, Interval House has made a positive difference in the lives of nearly 250,000 people (mostly women and children) who have experienced psychological and physical abuse at the hand of a domestic or intimate partner.

For help call or text the 24-Hour Statewide Hotline: 1-888-774-2900.