Stamford Marks October As Domestic Violence Awareness Month

STAMFORD, CT — The statistics surrounding domestic violence in the United States are staggering.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, on average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner, which equates to 10 million men and women per year.

One in four women and one in nine men will experience severe intimate partner phsyical violence; intimate partner sexual violence or intimate parnter stalking, which could result in serious inury, fearfulness, post traumatic stress disorder and more.

On Thursday, Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons was joined by other elected officials, law enforcement officers and community partners to spread awareness about domestic violence and kick-off Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the city.

"This is unacceptable, and we have to change these statistics," said Simmons, who issued a proclamation for the month of October.

"All of these partners here today work tirelessly everyday to ensure that these numbers are changing and that we're protecting the safety, health and well being of men, women and children across our city so they can live in a more peaceful world without violence," Simmons added.

Suzanne Adam, executive Director of the Domestic Violence Crisis Center (DVCC) which is headquartered in Stamford, said domestic violence thrives in silence.

"Despite national attention, it remains one of the most stigmatized and misunderstood public health problems," she said.

Also known as intimate partner violence, domestic violence is a pattern of coercion, controlling behavior, and does not always manifest itself as physical abuse. It can also be emotional, technological, sexual or financial, Adam said.

"This pervasive, life-threatening crime affects thousands of individuals in Connecticut regardless of age, ethnicity, economic status, religion, sexual orientation or education," she said.

The DVCC offers 24 hour crisis intervention through its hotline, and has two emergency safehouses for those in need. The center also offers legal, housing and financial advocacy, and counseling for anyone affected by domestic violence. All services are free, confidential, multicultural and multilingual.

A critical piece of helping victims is through legislation, Adam said.

"This year, we're so pleased to have the support of many local legislators like those individuals here today to pass PA 22-82, a comprehensive bill which provides greater protections for domestic violence victims and increased funding for child advocacy," Adam noted.

Another key element in solving domestic violence is through education and awareness, and teaching young people about healthy relationships and peaceful conflict resolution.

Adam encouraged residents to take part in a DVCC event this month to learn more and spread awareness.

"Help and healing can only begin when silence ends," she said.

Stamford Police Chief Timothy Shaw also spoke briefly during Thursday's event.

Shaw said that over the last four years, Stamford has had three homicides that involved people in domestic disputes.

"One is too many," Shaw said, adding that the police department handles nearly 60 domestic calls per month. "We have to do better."

The department has taken steps in recent years to help bring domestic violence numbers down. Two social workers have been added to the department who respond to mental health health calls.

Sgt. Adriana Molina of the SPD has been teaching officers about domestic violence since 2009. She said mental health and domestic violence are often linked.

"[I teach officers] how not to just respond to the call, but how to tighten up that report so not only do we succeed in making the arrests, but let's succeed in doing the prosecution," Molina said. "It's not just educating the community. It's educating the responders so we can help the victims and try to reduce the domestic violence incidents in our town."

Shaw urged residents to check in with their family members, neighbors and friends.

"If you see someone in crisis, talk to them. Let them know they have somewhere to go, somewhere they can feel safe, and our police department is one of those places," he said.

For more on the Domestic Violence Crisis Center, click here.