Awareness of Domestic Violence is Crucial

"The Domestic Violence Crisis Center (DVCC) works year round to help victims of domestic violence and raise awareness. DVCC does this through community outreach and educational programs, advocacy, a Web site (dvccct.org) and a toll-free 24-hour hotline, 1-888-774-2900.

In its own words DVCC -- which serves both Weston and Westport as well as Darien, Norwalk, New Canaan, Stamford and Wilton -- is "a safe place to escape and heal."

Each town served by DVCC has a local task force. The Domestic Violence Task Forces in Weston and Westport have a number of events planned in October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

According to the Weston Task Force, domestic violence is Weston's No. 1 violent crime. The Weston Police Department said they've had 11 domestic violence incidents between Sept. 1, 2006, and Aug. 31, 2007.

"Domestic violence occurs when someone is intentionally being emotionally, verbally, sexually or physically hurt by an intimate partner or family member. But because domestic violence affects all members of a family, domestic violence education also addresses anger management, and bullying issues among younger children, as well as dating violence and the need for control among teens," according to a press release issued by the Weston Task Force." |Read more|