Reporters can play a vital role in shining a light on domestic violence, helping to raise public awareness and ultimately saving lives. DVCC is committed to providing timely, accurate information about domestic violence and the issues surrounding it in our local community and beyond. Below are recent press releases. For media inquiries or interviews, contact Tamara Pardo, Communications Manager, tpardo@dvccct.org or call 203.273.4508.
February 1, 2020
DVCC OPENS TEEN DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH WITH STUDENT ACTIVIST PRESS CONFERENCE
Month long campaign and outreach initiatives to follow
Stamford, CT — Domestic Violence Crisis Center (DVCC) will hold a press conference on Monday, January 27 to begin its month-long campaign around Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in February. The press conference will kick off the month of programming and outreach initiatives surrounding this issue. Speakers will include Suzanne Adam, DVCC’s Executive Director, Ann Rodwell-Lawton, DVCC’s Program Director and youth speakers from the Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council at Stamford High School and the Center for Youth Leadership at Norwalk’s Brien McMahon High School.
“Teen dating violence is a pervasive problem – one in three American teens report having been a victim of physical, sexual or psychological/emotional abuse within a dating relationship,” said Suzanne Adam, DVCC’s Executive Director.
Teen dating violence does not discriminate and has no boundaries — it can happen to anyone regardless of gender identity, race, religion, culture, socio-economic level, educational attainment, sexual orientation or age. Violence in an adolescent relationship sets the stage for problems in future relationships including increased risk of perpetration and /or victimization of domestic violence.
“The best way to prevent teen dating violence before it starts is through education and awareness,” said Ann Rodwell-Lawton, DVCC’s Program Director. “DVCC’s multi-tiered approach has the potential to reduce the occurrence of teen dating violence and prevent its harmful and long-lasting effects on individuals, their families, and the communities where they live.”
Dating abuse is a pattern of behaviors one person uses to gain and maintain power and control over their partner. Abuse comes in many forms and is not just physical. It can be verbal, emotional, physical, digital, financial or sexual in nature. Digital abuse occurs when one partner uses technology and/or social media to monitor, harass, or stalk a partner. This can include repeated texting/checking in or posting sexual pictures of a partner online without consent.
“We see digital abuse often in teen dating relationships, as teenagers are so connected to technology and are readily using social media,” said Rodwell-Lawton.
DVCC will participate in several outreach initiatives throughout the month of February to help bring awareness to this issue. See below for a complete listing.
TDVAM Initiatives- see TDVAM flyer for a full description of each:
- School Announcement Day (2/3/20)
- Wear Orange for Love Day (2/11/20)
- Chalk About Love Day (2/24/20)
- Song Lyrics Contest (all month)
TDVAM Events:
- “Healthy Teen Dating: What Every Parent Needs to Know”- Wednesday, February 26 at 7pm at Westport Police Department- Sponsored by Westport DV Task Force
- “Back to (Bae)sics: Understanding Our Relationships”– Friday, February 28 6:30-8:00pm at Triangle Community Center, Norwalk- Sponsored by Norwalk DV Task Force- see attached flyer for description
- TDVAM Presentation and Panel Discussion – Wilton Task Force Event at Wilton Library, date TBD
- “TDVAM Ride to Raise Awareness”– Teen Spin, Thursday, February 27 at 6:30pm at the New Canaan YMCA.
“We want people to know that DVCC is here to help whether through a call to our care line, counseling and advocacy services or preventive education,” said Suzanne Adam. “We have the resources and trained staff here to provide support on any level.”
Now in its 40th year, DVCC is here to support individuals on their journey to safety. DVCC advocates for individuals who are experiencing abuse in personal relationships. Our multiple services and professional staff help those experiencing any level of domestic violence and assist them in building a safer environment for the well-being of themselves and their families. All direct services are free and confidential, and all services offered are bicultural/bilingual. DVCC’s mission is to provide effective services, support and education for the prevention and elimination of domestic violence across the Connecticut communities of Stamford, Norwalk, Darien, New Canaan, Weston, Westport, Wilton and beyond.
If you or someone you know needs help, please call DVCC’s 24-hour care line at 888-774-2900.
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January 7, 2020
DVCC APPLAUDS LAW ENFORCEMENT ON FOTIS DULOS ARREST
Stamford, CT — The following statement was issued by Domestic Violence Crisis Center (DVCC), Executive Director, Suzanne Adam.
“DVCC applauds the efforts of law enforcement, including the New Canaan Police, Connecticut State Police, the State’s Attorney’s Office and others in bringing about the arrest of Fotis Dulos and the two other individuals being charged in the Jennifer Dulos case. This tragedy has caused immeasurable trauma and suffering to the family and friends of Jennifer Dulos. Its impact has been felt profoundly here in our community and also on a state and national level. The charges brought against Fotis Dulos and the others is a step toward closure. We are grateful for the continued efforts of law enforcement to see that justice is served.”
Domestic violence is the number one health issue facing women and children in the United States, and the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15-44. One in four women will experience physical violence at the hands of an intimate partner at some point during their lives. Nearly half of all female homicide victims are killed by a current or former male intimate partner. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV,) the most dangerous time for a victim of domestic violence is when she or he leaves the relationship.
“Studies show that when victims of domestic violence are connected with direct services and support like those offered at DVCC, they are less likely to die at the hands of an abuser,” said Adam. “We want people to know that DVCC is here to help, whether that means assisting with a safety plan, providing counseling, giving legal advice from our advocacy team, staying in one of our safe houses or simply giving information about abuse and domestic violence through a phone call– we are available,” said Adam.
Established in 1980, Domestic Violence Crisis Center (DVCC) is the only domestic violence agency recognized by the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) as serving the communities of Stamford, Norwalk, New Canaan, Darien, Westport, Wilton and Weston, Connecticut. DVCC provides legal advocacy, counseling, economic solutions (financial, employment, housing) and temporary shelter for victims to help them regain control of their lives – all services are confidential and free of charge.
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December 14, 2019
BETHANY CHURCH PROVIDES A DAY OF PAMPERING AND CELEBRATION
FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS AND THEIR CHILDREN
Stamford, CT — Looking for a way to give back this holiday season, several volunteers from the women’s group at Bethany Church provided a day of pampering, self care and celebration for residents of Domestic Violence Crisis Center’s two safe houses.
“We are so grateful for the generosity and thoughtfulness of the women’s group of Bethany Church for creating this day of pampering,” said Suzanne Adam, DVCC’s Executive Director.
The church group volunteers provided hairstyling, makeup, nail painting and a festive meal for the women of DVCC’s safehouses. While mothers were being pampered, their children were entertained with games and activities. Mothers and children then celebrated with a holiday lunch and storytelling, while gifts were given to each of the children.
“Holidays can be especially hard times for victims residing in our safe houses,” said Adam. “Often, they are searching for a sense of normalcy in their lives for themselves and their families. The efforts of these volunteers gave the women of DVCC’s safe houses an opportunity to relax, celebrate, feel good about themselves and enjoy their children.”
Domestic Violence is the number one health issue facing women and children in the U.S, and the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15-44. The mission of DVCC is to provide effective services, support and education for the prevention and elimination of domestic violence across Connecticut and beyond. DVCC serves the communities of Darien, New Canaan, Norwalk, Stamford, Weston, Westport and Wilton. The organization, coming into its 40th year, provides safe housing, legal advocacy, counseling, sustainability services and preventive education. DVCC services are confidential and free of charge. If you or someone you love is being affected by a domestic violence crisis, call 888-744-2900. For more information on how to volunteer or donate visit DVCCCT.org.
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December 16,2019
ALLISON ROACH REJOINS DVCC AS ATTORNEY ADVOCATE
STAMFORD, CT — Allison Roach recently rejoined Domestic Violence Crisis Center as Attorney Advocate. She reports to Lauren Moreno, Manager of DVCC’s Legal Services department. Allison works primarily on civil cases; her responsibilities include helping clients in the court system to obtain restraining and protective orders, advising clients through the legal processes for custody, child support and divorce. In addition, she will collaborate on certain criminal cases.
“Allison is a great addition to our legal team,” said Suzanne Adam, DVCC’s Executive Director. “She brings a wealth of knowledge and professional experience in family law coupled with a true passion for victims’ rights advocacy.”
Previously, Allison served as Assistant Program Director for the Victim Rights Center of CT, a division of The Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence. Prior to her tenure there, she worked at DVCC in its legal department. Allison received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Eastern Connecticut State University, and holds a Juris Doctor from The University of Toledo. She is admitted to the Massachusetts and Connecticut Bar Associations.
Domestic violence is the number one health issue facing women and children in the United States. It is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15-44. Approximately 1 in 4 women and nearly 1 in 10 men have experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime. The mission of DVCC is to provide effective services, support and education for the prevention and elimination of domestic violence across Connecticut and beyond. DVCC serves the communities of Darien, New Canaan, Norwalk, Stamford, Weston, Westport and Wilton. Now in its 39th year, DVCC, provides counseling, safety planning, safe housing, legal advocacy and sustainability — all confidential and free of charge.
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December 10, 2020
ANN RODWELL-LAWTON JOINS DVCC AS DIRECTOR OF
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT & QUALITY ASSURANCE
Stamford, CT — Ann Rodwell-Lawton recently joined Domestic Violence Crisis Center as Director of Program Development & Quality Assurance. In this newly created position, Rodwell-Lawton reports to Executive Director, Suzanne Adam. Her primary role is to ensure the successful implementation of program operations and to support DVCC’s commitment to providing the highest quality of client services. Ann will work closely with DVCC leadership in developing and executing the organization’s strategic plan. She will oversee evaluation and reports, learning and staff development and community initiatives.
“We are thrilled to have Ann in this new role at the organization,” said Suzanne Adam, Executive Director. “She brings a wealth of professional experience in the fields of domestic and sexual violence and has a proven track record of success in program development and implementation.”
Ann Rodwell-Lawton is a certified Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Counselor and has extensive knowledge of primary prevention programming. Previously, Ann was the Director of Education, Training & Outreach at the Women’s Center of Greater Danbury. She also served as a Community Educator at the D.C. Rape Crisis Center where she conducted child sexual abuse prevention presentations in the community, reaching over 8,000 children per year. Additionally, Ann has experience facilitating sexual health workshops and training programs to develop political advocacy skills. Ann has been trained in many evidence-based programs, including Safe Dates and Shifting Boundaries. She received a Bachelor of Social Work from Hope College and earned her Master of Social Work from Hunter College with a Concentration in Community Organization, Planning and Development.
Domestic violence is the number one health issue facing women and children in the United States. It is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15-44. Approximately 1 in 4 women and nearly 1 in 10 men have experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime. The mission of DVCC is to provide effective services, support and education for the prevention and elimination of domestic violence across Connecticut and beyond. DVCC serves the communities of Darien, New Canaan, Norwalk, Stamford, Weston, Westport and Wilton. Now in its 39th year, DVCC, provides counseling, safety planning, safe housing, legal advocacy and sustainability — all free of charge.
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