Domestic Violence Awareness Month

DANBURY — In recognition of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Women’s Center of Greater Danbury is making available purple ribbons as a symbol of the stand against domestic violence in all its forms. Regular purple ribbons are available free; ceramic ribbons are $3. The ribbon gives hope to battered women and their children living in domestic violence homes, it celebrates those who have survived domestic violence, and it remembers and mourns those who have lost their lives to domestic violence.

In their effort to spread the knowledge that “There is No Excuse for Abuse,” the Women’s Center has planned several programs during October. All are open to residents in the Greater Danbury area and, except for the luncheon, all are free. Activities include:

Walk In Our Footsteps, a silent demonstration to recognize all of the Connecticut children who have experienced domestic violence over the past year. The October 5 event (rain date is October 15) in Hartford’s Bushnell Park will include 1,417 pairs of shoes, symbolizing the 1,417 children sheltered in Connecticut domestic violence programs between July 1, 2000 and June 30, 2001.

Judge Frederica Brenneman will be the special keynote speaker at the Center’s Domestic Violence Awareness Luncheon on Saturday, October 13, at the Ridgewood Country Club in Danbury.

A “Pets Against Violence” walk will be held on Sunday, October 14, at 1 pm on Main Street in Ridgefield. Girls Scouts will be walking their pets to raise awareness of the link between pet abuse and domestic violence.

“Facing the Facts About Family Violence and the Power of Prevention” will be a morning conference on Saturday, October 20, at Trinity Church in Newtown. The conference includes adult and teen programs and is open to all area clergy and their congregations.

The Center’s Domestic Abuse support group continue on Tuesdays in Danbury and on Thursdays in New Milford.

For more information on these programs, or to find out how to help end the violence, and volunteer opportunities, call the Women’s Center at 731-5200.