Westport Domestic Violence Task Force Launches Safe House Drive

Westport CT

27 August, 2020

2:25 PM

Description

Press release from the Westport Domestic Violence Task Force: Aug. 27, 2020 From Monday, August 24 th through August 30 th , the Westport Domestic Violence Task Force (WDVTF) will be collecting supplies for the two Domestic Violence Crisis Center (DVCC) safe houses that service residents in our area. The goals of the two residences are, first, to ensure the safety of residents and, second, to help equip them for an independent and self-reliant existence after they leave the safe house. Whether for a few days or a few weeks, DVCC residences offer a safe haven in which to get help, heal and take the next steps. Besides providing a safe and confidential shelter for victims of intimate partner violence and their children, the DVCC provides assistance with basic needs such as food, clothing and personal items. Counseling and legal services are also introduced in addition to transportation assistance, children's advocacy, weekly play-based children's programming focused on self-esteem and healthy communication and referrals to community resources. The DVCC also provides economic advocacy, including budget development and assistance with job searches and resumes. The return plan for most schools in our area is a hybrid of in-person and remote learning. This poses additional needs for children staying in the safe houses and their parents, some of whom are required to work from home. The DVCC safe houses are in need of the following items to ensure the children staying in the safe houses are prepared for the new school year: New Backpacks Notebooks Pens/Pencils Graphing Calculators New or lightly used Chromebooks *Also needed are diapers in sizes 4,5,6,7 Contactless pickup arrangements can be made by emailing Task Force Co-Chair Jillian Cabana at [email protected]. This press release was produced by the Westport Domestic Violence Task Force. The views expressed here are the author's own.