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Commission prioritizes domestic-violence awareness; plans partnerships and outreach
Summary
Commissioners named domestic violence an outreach priority and discussed partnering with the DVCC, Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence and local chamber members on awareness campaigns, a calendar of activities and a possible window-display campaign for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Commissioners identified domestic violence as a priority issue and discussed a two-track approach: legislative advocacy by the legislative committee and public-awareness and partnership work led by the outreach committee.
Commission member Chantal urged a focus on violence, saying “there’s a big group of women suffering… They’re ashamed. They’re embarrassed. They don’t even want to disclose it to doctors.” Commissioners generally agreed to use a nonbinary, inclusive language and to begin with “domestic violence” as a working term, noting it covers victims of all genders.
Commission member Christina proposed a calendar-based approach and described a window-dressing campaign modeled on an event she’d seen in another city: merchants display themed window exhibits, residents scan QR codes to learn more and vote, and the campaign coincides with awareness months. Christina noted October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and suggested a campaign that pairs merchant participation, QR-linked resources and a visible citywide signifier such as staff and community members wearing purple.
Commission members said they would pursue partnerships rather than build a program from scratch. Emma reported that the legislative advocacy committee had met with the Domestic Violence Crisis Center (DVCC) and the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence and offered to connect outreach volunteers to the contacts. Commission member Shannon said the DVCC recently joined the chamber and that the chamber contact (Stella) could be a partner for outreach to merchants.
Directions assigned included drafting a year-round calendar and outreach plan (Yvonne and Shannon volunteered to begin a draft), outreach committee follow-up with DVCC contacts (Emma and others), and the legislative advocacy committee continuing to prepare letters supporting relevant bills, including measures related to survivor protections cited during the meeting.
Ending: Commissioners agreed to form stronger outreach partnerships, to develop a calendar of awareness activities (including options tied to October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month), and to return proposed plans and partner contacts to the full commission for review.
