DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH 2023
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Join us as we mark the month with a series of events and community activities, aiming to empower every individual with essential knowledge on domestic violence and the ways to find support.
Join the movement to stand with survivors and eliminate domestic violence for future generations. The staggering facts are that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience severe physical abuse at the hands of an intimate partner during their lifetime. Chances are, everyone knows someone who has been impacted by this public health crisis.
All month long, we will be spreading the word that healthy relationships are based on learned behavior, focusing on educating our community about maintaining relationships that are rooted in respect and understanding.
Be A Part of the Change:
Join the Action: Take part in one of our public proclamations and be a voice.
Learn the Facts: Download our free resource guide to learn more about domestic violence dynamics and how to connect with DVCC to get help for you or a loved one.
Spread the Word: Share our content on social media with #beabeacon and #loveequalsrespect.
Boost the Movement:
Your participation, shares, and contributions are the catalysts for building awareness and breaking the stigma around domestic violence. Domestic violence thrives in silence. Use your voice to stand with survivors and let others know that help is available.
We are thrilled to step into a month brimming with meaningful conversations and educational opportunities to work toward eliminating domestic violence. Let’s all be a beacon of hope, support, and transformation in our community!
Did you know?
DVCC’s Schedule of DVAM 2023 Events and Initiatives
Proclamations
Local government officials will hold proclamations for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend!
- Monday, October 2 at 11am, Stamford Proclamation at Government Center
- Tuesday, October 3rd at 11am, Darien Proclamation at Darien Town Hall
- Wednesday, October 4th at 9am, New Canaan Proclamation at New Canaan High School
- Wednesday, October 4th 11am, Norwalk Proclamation at Norwalk City Hall
- Thursday, October 5th, 11am Weston Proclamation at Weston Town Hall
- Friday, October 6th at 11am, Westport Proclamation at the Westport Police Department
- Wednesday, October 11th at 10:30am, Wilton Proclamation at Wilton Town Hall
Coffee Sleeve Day
Thursday, October 19th
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 19th and show your support for survivors while enjoying your morning java!
Stamford
Cafe Oolala
Winfield Street Coffee
Humbled
DiMare Pastry Shop
Honey Joes
Lorca
Norwalk
SoNo Baking Company
Cafe Dolce
Darien
NEAT
SoNo Baking Company
New Canaan
Dolce Italian Cafe
Tony’s Deli
Club Sandwich
Zumbachs
Westport
Kneads
The Porch
Donut Crazy
Coffee An
Winfield Street Coffee
Wilton
Starbucks
Tusk and Cup Fine Coffee
Rise Doughnut
Purple Thursday
Thursday, October 19th
Purple Thursday is October 19th. 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
“The Fire that Took Her”
Documentary screening presented by the Westport Domestic Violence Task Force
Wednesday, October 18, 7 pm
Westport Center for Senior Activities, 21 Imperial Ave, Westport
The Westport Domestic Violence Task Force presents a screening of the critically acclaimed documentary, “The Fire That Took Her.” This powerful film tells the true story of Judy Malinowski, who was burned by her ex-boyfriend within inches of her life. She lives long enough to get off pain medications and testify in her own murder case, becoming the first ever person to do so.
Judy survived nearly two years, long enough to regain her speech and give sworn testimony to her attorney and her ex’s defense lawyer that was effectively banked until after her inevitable death, after which her ex was officially charged with a homicide.
The screening of the documentary will be followed by a discussion and light refreshments. DVCC resources and counselors will be available during the event.
Official trailer: The Fire That Took Her – Official Trailer | IMDb
Everything Will Be Okay: Author Talk with Dana Buckmir
Wilton Library
Wednesday, October 25, 7 pm
In support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Wilton Domestic Violence Task Force welcomes author Dana Buckmir to the Wilton Library for a discussion about her memoir, Everything Will Be Okay. Dana will be joined in conversation by Ann Rodwell-Lawton, Chief Operating Officer of the Domestic Violence Crisis Center, and a representative from the Wilton Police Department. Co-sponsored by Wilton Library, the Domestic Violence Crisis Center, the Wilton Domestic Violence Task Force, and The Riverbrook Regional YMCA, Wilton Social Services, and the Wilton Police Department. Registration required. Please register online or call 203-762-6334. For more information, contact [email protected].
Community Candlelight Vigil
Norwalk Police Department (in front, outside)
Monday, October 30, 6 pm
In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, please join us for a vigil honoring victims and survivors of domestic violence. The public is encouraged to attend for an evening of reflection, remembrance, and to show support for survivors.
Speakers include:
Chief James Walsh, Norwalk Police Department
Reverand Artie Kassimis, World Alive Church
Mayor Harry Rilling, City of Norwalk
Suzanne Adam, CEO of the Domestic Violence Crisis Center
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 and Wilton!
Police Cruiser Magnets
Be on the lookout for police cruisers in Stamford, Norwalk, New Canaan, Darien, Westport, and Wilton displaying our DVAM magnets throughout the month.
DVAM Resources