Domestic Violence Awareness Activities in Weston

On Saturday, October 5, members of the Weston community gathered to recognize National Domestic Violence Awareness Month at the Lachat Farm on Godfrey Road. First Selectman Gayle Weinstein opened the program by reading the Town Proclamation Against Domestic Violence, acknowledging that domestic violence is Weston’s number one reported crime. Dr. Michael Marotto, a vice-principal at Weston High School and a professor of literature at the University of Connecticut, led a discussion of several poetry selections centered on the theme of hope; and WHS freshman Preston Joffe performed several pieces on his violin. The event was co-sponsored by Weston Youth Services, the Weston Domestic Violence Task Force, and Weston Teen PeaceWorks, a WHS group affiliated with the Domestic Violence Crisis Center (DVCC).

As part of its ongoing awareness activities during October, the Task Force has placed giving trees in the form of butterfly bushes at Town Hall and the Weston Library. The trees contain items that are needed at the local SafeHouses run by DVCC, which serve residents of Weston and surrounding communities. These items include personal hygiene products, diapers, towels, blankets, phone cards, bus tokens, and gift cards. Donated items may be dropped off at the Weston police station. For further information or for assistance in donating, please contact Lorraine Riley, lorrainejmdw@gmail.com or Juri Garone, jurigarone@yahoo.com. For information or assistance with domestic violence-related issues, please call DVCC’s 24/7 hotline: 888-774-2900.