DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH 2022
Respect is a foundational value of every healthy relationship. When one person in a relationship exerts power and control over another– the root of all domestic violence dynamics– respect is stolen from a victim. That loss can be as profound as a physical wound and may last even longer.
This October, in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, DVCC hopes to shine a light on this public health crisis through community education and events to inform people about domestic violence and how to find help.
To support and help victims and survivors, and to prevent domestic violence in the future, we all need to talk openly about it and learn how to recognize the signs. Because 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have experienced domestic violence, everyone likely knows someone who has been affected by domestic violence.
We acknowledge that healthy relationships are learned behaviors – they are not innate. That is why we will be focusing this month on elevating the conversation to teach our community what healthy relationship behaviors look like and that healthy relationships are always rooted in respect for one another. Education is key to preventing domestic violence. With prevention at the forefront, we believe it is possible to achieve our mission to eradicate domestic violence here in our Connecticut communities and beyond.
How can you help? Join us! Show your support for victims and survivors by attending one of our proclamations, follow us and share our content on social media with the hashtag #loveequalsrespect, and come support the cause by attending Harvest Fest, our fall fundraising event on October 21.
We look forward to a great month!
DVAM Resources
Why domestic violence victims don’t leave
DVCC’s Schedule of DVAM 2022 Events and Initiatives
Proclamations
Local government officials will hold proclamations for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend!
- Tuesday, October 4th at 11am, Wilton Proclamation at Wilton Town Hall
- Thursday, October 6 at 11am, Stamford Proclamation at Government Center
- Friday, October 7th at 2pm, Westport Proclamation at Westport Town Hall
- Wednesday, October 12th at 11am, Darien Proclamation at Darien Town Hall
- Thursday, October 13th at 9am, New Canaan Proclamation at New Canaan High School
- Tuesday, October 18th, 11am Weston Proclamation at Weston Town Hall
- Wednesday, October 19th 10:30am, Norwalk Proclamation at Norwalk City Hall
Everything Will Be Okay: A Conversation with Author Dana Buckmir and DVCC’s Ann Rodwell-Lawton
Wednesday, October 12, 7pm-8pm
In support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month and in partnership with the Domestic Violence Crisis Center and the Westport Domestic Violence Task Force, the Westport Library welcomes author Dana Buckmir in conversation about her new memoir, Everything Will Be Okay. Dana will be joined in conversation by Ann Rodwell-Lawton, Associate Director of the Domestic Violence Crisis Center.
Erik Becker is the charming, witty and charismatic stranger who messages Dana, challenging her to step out of her comfort zone and give love another chance. Dana thinks she’s met her soulmate but soon realizes that the man of her dreams is not who he seems. What initially begins as a whirlwind romance quickly transforms into something that could lead to dire consequences.
To register to attend this event IN-PERSON at the library, please click here.
Champagne Taste of Wilton, Shopping Event
Thursday, October 13 from 11am to 5pm
In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Champagne Taste of Wilton will offer a 10% discount to customers and will provide a 10% match to DVCC. Members from the Wilton Domestic Violence Task Force and DVCC staff will be present from 12pm-1pm for questions and conversation. Be sure to check out their purple- themed window display from October 10 – October 22.
Identifying Domestic Abuse
The Ferguson Library, Stamford
Thursday, October 13 6:30pm -7:30pm
To highlight Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Domestic Violence Crisis Center will deliver a presentation that covers how to identify different types of domestic abuse; how to recognize red flags in relationships; and the practical steps you can take if you suspect a friend of a loved one is in an unhealthy relationship.
A light reception will be held before the presentation.
Also available via Zoom. Join the presentation here at the scheduled time.
Coffee Sleeve Day
Thursday, October 13th
The Domestic Violence Crisis Center is partnering with local coffee shops to use custom coffee sleeves to bring awareness of domestic violence and available resources. Stop by one of the participating shops on Thursday, October 13th and show your support for survivors while enjoying your morning java!
Participating Coffee Shops:
Check back here as we continue to update the list of participants.
Achieving Economic Justice for Survivors
Wednesday, October 19th via Zoom of Facebook Live (click here to register for Zoom)
Personal safety and economic security are inextricably linked for survivors of domestic violence. For many survivors, concerns over their ability to provide financially for themselves and their children are a significant reason for staying in or returning to an abusive relationship. Join this Facebook Live Event hosted by the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence featuring Kim Pentico from the National Network to End Domestic Violence with Marilyn Hart, DVCC’s Manager of Housing and Financial Advocacy to learn more about economic justice and empowerment programs for survivors of abuse.
Purple Thursday
Thursday, October 20th
Purple Thursday is October 20th. On this national day of awareness, individuals around the nation wear purple, the color for domestic violence awareness. Make sure to post on social media, tag us, and say why you are wearing purple! Use the hashtags #DVAM, #PurpleThursday and #loveequalsrespect
Harvest Fest tickets on sale now!
October 21 @ 6:30pm, Shorehaven Golf Club
Get ready for a festive evening to support the critical work of DVCC! Join us at the Shorehaven Golf Club for cocktails on the terrace followed by dinner and dancing with live entertainment from local favorite cover band, “Fake ID.” No black tie necessary, but bring your dancing shoes! The beautiful setting with views of the golf course and Long Island Sound will set the tone for the evening’s theme, “Dancing in the Moonlight.” Click here for tickets and information.
Love = Respect: A conversation about healthy relationships and how to get help
October 26th at 7:30 Instagram Live @dvccct
What makes a relationship healthy? Could you recognize red flag signs if a friend was in an unhealthy or abusive relationship? Join Associate Director, Ann Rodwell-Lawton and Prevention Educator, Nikkia Ellis for an honest, engaging conversation about what healthy relationships look like, how to talk to a friend who may need help, and what resources are available for support in our community.
Month Long Initiatives
Library Outreach
Novels can be a powerful way to learn about the dynamics around domestic violence. Local libraries will feature a display of books that have stories of domestic violence as part of the plot. Click the image to the left to see our suggested book list, and click here to download our discussion guide for Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarity. Consider hosting a book club for the month and start this important conversation with friends. Look for these book displays/lists at the public libraries in Stamford, Norwalk, New Canaan, Darien, Wilton, Westport, and Weston!
Police Cruiser Magnets
Be on the lookout for police cruisers in Stamford, Norwalk, New Canaan, Darien, Westport, Wilton and Weston displaying our DVAM magnets throughout the month.