Commuters were welcomed at the New Canaan train station platform Wednesday morning by volunteers with the New Canaan Domestic Violence Partnership and Youth Adult Partnership Board. This is yet another organized event by the partnerships this month to spread awareness of domestic violence and teen dating violence resources available to families.
The morning's volunteers were supporting the efforts of the partnership during October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Riders took pens with messages like "Break the silence, make the call" and purple "love is respect" bracelets to New York City with them. Many riders were pleasantly surprised by the free coffee available to all commuters on any trains between 5-8 a.m., courtesy of Bob Doran one of the founding members of the nine year old Domestic Violence Partnership.
Many passengers could be seen headed to their seats with cup in hand labeled with "loveisrespect.org." Tony Phillips, Deputy Co-chair of the New Canaan Domestic Violence Partnership said, "Many riders took a few seconds from their rush to their seats to say hello or grab a bracelet. Many even stopped by the table to say 'thank you' for the coffee. We even had a taxi driver who joined in handing out bracelets and spreading the message. I think the riders had a great response to us this year, and it always helps to have students join us. Many of our commuting dads recognize our volunteers and stop to chat."
Several youth and adult volunteers joined this year from the Youth Adult Partnership Board and Grace Community Youth ministry. As well, several police officers from the NCPD joined to remind people about the seriousness of domestic violence.In 2012, police have responded to 57 DV-related 911 emergency calls to New Canaan Police.
The partnership wants everyone to know, there is help in person, by phone and online. Call 1-800-799-SAFE for the National DV hotline for information or help. Go to www.loveisnotabuse.com or www.loveisrespect.org online for help. Contact the New Canaan DV Partnership at 203-594-3076.
