October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Domestic violence (DV) is a pattern of coercive, controlling behavior that includes different types of abuse (emotional, psychological, physical, financial, sexual or litigation). DV incidents are rising and can impact anyone. Survivors who received services from the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence organizations increased from 37,223 in the fiscal year 2020 to 38,989 in 2021. The impact of intimate partner violence (IPV) on children is also a great concern, with 17.9% of children of all ages having been exposed to physical IPV in their lifetime. Note that this does not include any arguments or yelling that may be witnessed or overheard by the child.
If you are concerned about an abusive situation, call or text Safe Connect Connecticut at (888) 774-2900.
This 24/7 statewide domestic violence hotline that covers 18 member programs, including the Prudence Crandall Center, will receive the calls, do a thorough assessment of needs, emotional support, safety planning, and options. Then, depending on what the clients are searching for, they may provide help obtaining counseling/support groups, shelter, housing assistance, basic needs. The Prudence Crandall Center shared that in the last fiscal year, just for the town of Southington, they served 187 total clients, of which 148 had completed lethality assessments and 95 participated in community education.
For emergency abuse or domestic violence concerns, contact the Southington Police Department by calling or texting 911. More domestic violence and mental health resources can be found on our website.
