WDVTF Announces Awareness Month Events In Westport

From Westport Domestic Violence Task Force:Beginning on October 1st , the Westport Domestic Violence Task Force will be out conducting its annual awareness campaign throughout the month of October.

The October Domestic Violence Awareness month campaign kicks off at both Westport train stations on Monday, October 1 st . WDVTF members and Westport police officers will be distributing DVCC (Domestic Violence Crisis Center) palm cards, which contain contact information for local resources and safety planning tips. The goal is to educate and raise awareness that there is need for domestic violence services in Westport.

On Wednesday, October 10 th at 7:00pm, the WDVTF will be showing the documentary film “A Better Man” at the Unitarian Church, 10 Lyons Plains Road, Westport. The movie captures intimate discussions between a survivor of domestic abuse and her former partner whose two year relationship was filled with intimate partner violence. Following the movie, a panel of field experts will be available to any questions from the audience. Panelists include Westport Police Department Lieutenant and WDVTF Co-Chair Jillian Cabana, DVCC Counselor Janeen Savini, DVCC Attorney Advocate Pamela Davis and DVCC Executive Director Kevin Shippy. This event is free of charge and open to the public. A link to the film trailer can be found here:

On October 15 th at 11:00am, members of the WVDTF and municipal employees will join First Selectman Jim Marpe on the steps of Town Hall as he reads his annual proclamation declaring October to be Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Westport, CT. We encourage attendees to wear purple to show their support.

Domestic violence, also called intimate partner violence, is hurtful, repeated and intentional behavior that one person uses to maintain power and control over another in an intimate relationship. It manifests as abuse that is verbal, emotional, psychological, physical or sexual. Domestic violence occurs in heterosexual relationships, gay and lesbian relationships and is common in teenage dating relationships. Domestic violence crosses all boundaries and can happen to anyone regardless of age, gender, race, religion, culture, socio-economic level or educational attainment.

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, help can be reached via the 24 hour hotline, 1-888-774-2900 and additional information can be found on the DVCC website, www.dvccct.org

For more information on Westport Domestic Violence Task Force initiatives, please check out
our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/Westport-Domestic-Violence-Task-Force-
1550811978272839/.

Image via Westport Domestic Violence Task Force