Kehoe, Voket Among Honorees Taking A Stand

Against Domestic Violence

HARTFORD — The Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) recognized its second class of male leaders who make a difference in the cause of domestic violence. The First 100 Plus were recognized at a breakfast in Cromwell September 21.

Honorees included Newtown Police Chief Michael Kehoe and Newtown Bee Associate Editor John Voket among a cross section of men from around the state who in their own way have helped to champion the cause for victims of domestic violence.

CCADV created the First 100 as part of an effort to get greater involvement from men. Even though 100 is a relatively large number, it is not nearly enough, says the coalition.

The coalition and its member agencies assist more than 54,000 victims of domestic violence each year. The domestic violence hotline receives on average 217 calls each day from potential victims.

More than one-third of all criminal court cases in Connecticut are domestic violence related. Additionally, domestic violence is the number one cause for women being admitted to the emergency room in the state of Connecticut.

“It is vital that systemwide collaborations continue to strive for the reduction of domestic violence within Connecticut’s communities,” said Bill Carbone of the Judicial Branch Court Support Services Division and First 100 Plus honoree. “This includes intervention efforts that hold offenders accountable and enhance the safety of victims. Efforts to support victims impacted by violence should be a primary goal for all criminal justice partners.”

Mr Voket was invited to consult with the CCADV on its first media handbook, which was published earlier in 2012. And he co-hosted a panel discussion on how to effectively and responsibly cover domestic violence incidents during the winter conference of the New England Newspaper and Press Association in Boston last February, which also featured CCADV Executive Director Karen Jarmoc.

Additionally, Mr Voket has provided support to CCADV and its agency network in his capacity as director of public affairs for the Cox Media Group of radio stations, and on his award-winning syndicated public affairs program, For the People.

He has also lent his technical assistance for the Milford Rape Crisis Center’s Walk-A-Mile In Her Shoes fundraiser for several years, as well as for various events including the Bowl-To-Benefit fundraiser for the Umbrella program at Birmingham Health Services and the Domestic Violence Services of Greater New Haven.

CCADV works with law enforcement and state legislators to create and strengthen laws and policies that improve conditions for victims of domestic violence. Many of the honorees this year are from the law enforcement community.

That included many police chiefs from throughout the state, including Chief Kehoe, whose departments have no shortage of men that champion the cause for victims of domestic violence.

In conjunction with its recognition of the First 100 Plus, CCADV also recognized an individual and an organization for their efforts on behalf of victims of domestic violence. This year’s recipients are State Representative Mae Flexer (D-Killingly), who was recognized as the Coalition Crusader, and the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association (CPCA), which received the Pillars for Change award. Representative Flexer and the CPCA have been vital allies to CCADV and its mission to help victims of domestic violence.

The First 100 Plus recognizes male leaders from across the state for their leadership in raising awareness of the availability and access to domestic violence services in Connecticut. For the full list of honorees and to learn more about CCACV or to access its resources, visit ctcadv.org.