Westport Recognizes October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month

From Town of Westport:

The public is advised that October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. The Westport Domestic Violence Task Force (WDVTF) is taking part in a number of awareness events including:

October 7 at 2 p.m.

Domestic Violence Proclamation will be read at Town Hall (110 Myrtle Avenue) by First Selectman Jim Marpe. We encourage attendees to wear purple to show their support.

October 11 at 6 a.m.

Representatives from the Westport Police department and the Y's Men will be at the Westport train station handing out palm cards to commuters. The idea is to educate and raise awareness that there is need for domestic violence services in Westport. Palm cards are business sized cards that contain facts about domestic violence and emergency hotline numbers.

October 16-30

The WDVTF is sponsoring a domestic violence safe house supply drive. A number of departments and businesses in town are sponsoring collection boxes including, the Westport Police Department, The Westport Fire Department, Westport Human Services (located at Town Hall), Kaia Yoga, the Unitarian Church, and the Westport Weston YMCA. Needed items include new/unopened toiletries, baby supplies including diapers, linens, pajamas, socks, and underwear etc. A complete list will be posted on each box.

The Domestic Violence Task Force urges residents to wear purple, get involved and show support for this important cause.

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.

In 2015, Westport Police responded to 91 calls for service for domestic violence.

According to the Domestic Violence Crisis Center that services our area, nearly 10 percent of high school students have been hurt physically by a boyfriend or girlfriend. One in three teens reports knowing a friend or peer who has been hit, punched, kicked, slapped or physically hurt by a partner. One in four teens in a relationship say they have been called names, harassed or put down by their partner through cell phones and texting.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock