October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Westport’s Domestic Violence Task Force wants to make everyone aware of the issue — and what can be done about it.
The group has collected gift certificates from more than a dozen local salons. (One owner donated because her mother was a victim of abuse.) Haircuts and colors help women in shelters start new lives. Some are preparing for job interviews. Others need to change their appearance to avoid abusers.
The salons will be thanked on Saturday, October 14, at the Westport Unitarian Church Voices Cafe. All proceeds from Pierce Pettis’ performance will be donated to the salon drive. (Click here for tickets.)
Meanwhile, this Sunday (October 1), pinwheels will be displayed on Jesup Green. There’s one for every domestic violence call the Police Department received this year.
The chilling reminder that domestic abuse happens in Westport — as it does everywhere — remains on display all month.
Next Tuesday (October 3), volunteers from our police and fire departments will join Domestic Violence Task Force members at the Westport and Greens Farms train stations. They’ll hand out informational palm cards to commuters.
And on Wednesday, October 25 (Unitarian Church, 7 p.m.), Lisa Aronson Fontes — a noted author, therapist, researcher and professor — will discuss coercive control in relationships.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month ends on October 31. Of course, the issue will not go away that day.
But in Westport, concerned citizens are doing all they can to help.
Thank you Dan – you are the best!
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