Supplies Sought For Westport Domestic Violence Safe House

Press release from the Westport Police Department:

April 22, 2021

From Monday, April 19th through Sunday, April 25th, the Westport Domestic Violence Task Force (WDVTF) will be collecting supplies for the two Domestic Violence Crisis Center (DVCC) safehouses that service residents in our area and DVCC community clients. The DVCC is the only domestic violence agency serving the cities and towns of Stamford, Norwalk, Westport, New Canaan, Darien, Wilton, and Weston.

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 aids 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.

1 in 3 families cannot afford the cost of diapers. This drive provides much needed help to domestic violence victims meeting basic needs so they can move forward on their path to safety and healing.

The DVCC safe houses are in need of the following items for their community clients and safehouse residents:

Car seats in new or like new condition tags still attached (to check expiration date)
Strollers
Diapers
Wipes
Lotions and baby wash
New bottles

Contactless pickup arrangements can be made by emailing Task Force Co-Chair Jillian Cabana at wdvtf06880@gmail.com.

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, help can be reached via the 24 hour hotline, 1-888-774-2900 and additional information can be found on the DVCC website, www.dvccct.org

For more information on Westport Domestic Violence Task Force initiatives, please check out our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/Westport-Domestic-Violence-Task-Force-1550811978272839/.

This press release was produced by the Westport Police Department. The views expressed here are the author's own.