October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and while many who are not touched by this criminal activity may hear about it a lot more around this time every year, those living in constant fear of the next punch, slap, push, verbal attack, financial manipulation, or act of psychological terrorism, every minute of every day is a living hell.

Fortunately, especially in recent years, resources to recognize, respond to, intervene, and support those who are victimized by a spouse, intimate partner, “friend,” relative, or other person have grown more robust. As have the means by which an individual facing abuse can call for and activate those support networks, while hopefully seeing their abuser face the consequences of their actions.

In Newtown, our Police Department personnel are very well trained and experienced in answering calls for help in domestic abuse or violence situations. From the moment a local emergency telecommunicator takes a 911 call, their training kicks in. And while officers are responding, those on the other end of the line are providing some degree of comfort and assurance, while gathering the necessary information so responders can arrive quickly, and apply a comprehensive level of caring, professional assistance.

Similarly, our Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps members, EMTs and paramedics are similarly well trained, and work in concert with law enforcement and other responding or involved agencies to also deliver the highest level of care and support.

Newtown’s Human Services agency and its personnel are another component of assistance to DV victims, becoming involved to ensure the necessary referrals are handled quickly, efficiently, and seamlessly. Newtown’s Human Services team works hard to ensure the victim or victims are connected to any and all services and agencies they might need to guide them from their nightmare experiences to a place where they can begin to feel relief, healing, and then hope for the future.

The Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) has long been an effective agency both on the front lines of prevention and support, but also in the halls of our statehouse and legislature, crafting and supporting bills and laws that have elevated our state to be among one of the very best when it comes to prevention, education, resolution, and prosecution.

According to CCADV, sometimes abusive behaviors start subtly and escalate over time. And when a survivor does recognize that they’re in an abusive relationship, they may not think that it will ever escalate to physical violence or worse, fatal violence.

But just last year in Connecticut, 38,789 victims received aid from one of the coalition’s member agencies and there were 21 reported deaths as a result of domestic violence incidents.

While it may be the hardest call or outreach you ever have to make, know that you do not have to live as a victim of domestic violence, and know that the help you need to get out and get started in a new and positive direction is standing by with open arms that will wrap you safely while protecting you and your loved ones through to a new day, and a better life.