Lyddy Named To Domestic Violence Task Force

Representative Chris Lyddy has been named by Speaker of the House Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) to serve on a legislative task force that will help formulate Connecticut’s response to challenges faced by victims of domestic violence.

The new domestic violence task force will hold its first meeting on Monday, November 30, at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. The 16-member task force represents a bipartisan membership from the state House of Representatives and state Senate.

“We need to pay attention to this critical issue, especially during these difficult times when family life is extremely stressed,” Rep Lyddy said. “We often find out about cases of domestic violence when it is too late. Victims need to know there are resources out there to support them and we need to make a coordinated effort to ensure we are addressing domestic violence in the most effective and efficient ways possible.”

In addition to lawmakers, individuals and organizations from across the state, including the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV), service providers, educators, and law enforcement will be consulted as task force recommendations are developed.

“The coalition and its member programs look forward to working with Speaker Donovan’s Task Force to improve options for victims and survivors of domestic violence,” said Erika M. Tindill, executive director of CCADV. “We are eager to set goals and put action steps in place to make meaningful progress toward a culture of intolerance for family violence in Connecticut.”

Specifically, the task force will be charged with reviewing budget implications related to domestic violence; identifying trends and research pertaining to social conditions, support services, healthy relationships, education, early intervention, court procedures and advocacy, and assembling a set of legislative recommendations on how best to prevent and address family violence and meet the needs of victims.