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NEW CANAAN, Conn. Volunteers with the New Canaan Domestic Violence Partnership spread awareness of available domestic violence resources by meeting with commuters at the town's Metro-North train station platform Thursday morning.
Volunteers are supporting the efforts of the partnership in October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness month. Riders took pens with messages such as "Break the Silence, Make the Call," purple "Love Is Respect" bracelets and pamphlets about domestic violence and the workplace. Many riders were delighted to receive free coffee, which was available to all commuters from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
"Many riders took a few seconds from their rush to their seats to say hello or grab a bracelet, said Tony Phillips, co-chairman of the Domestic Violence Partnership. Many even stopped by the table to say thank you for the coffee. I think the riders had a great response to us this year, and it always helps to have (New Canaan) students join us. Many of our commuting dads recognize our volunteers and stopped to chat."
Some even mentioned how domestic violence has occurred in their lives, he said. One in three to one in four women are affected by domestic violence, Phillips said. It is hard to know anyone who does not know someone who has been affected by domestic abuse."
Youth and adult volunteers from the Youth Adult Partnership Board, Grace Community Youth ministry, Kids in Crisis and the New Canaan High School joined forces in spreading information this year. Several New Canaan police officers also joined to remind people about the seriousness of domestic violence.
In the past 12 months, 83 domestic violence-related 911 emergency calls were made to New Canaan police with a total of 50 children present. The partnership wants everyone to know that there is help, and that love is not abuse, love is respect.
Call 1-800-799-SAFE for the National Domestic Violence hotline for information or help. Go to www.loveisnotabuse.com or www.loveisrespect.org online for help. You can contact the Domestic Violence Partnership at 203-594-3076.
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