October is Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month and YWCA Greenwich is asking the community to Walk the Walk to support victims of domestic violence.
Join YWCA Greenwich for a socially distant stroll on October 4 at Bruce Park.
There are two flights scheduled to promote the health and safety of walkers who can check in at either 8:30 or 9:30 am. We are encouraging members of the community to register as a walker and ask their friends and family to support them with a donation for their participation in the walk. Dogs and families with strollers are welcome. Each registered walker will receive a reusable face mask.
“Now more than ever we need to bring awareness to this widespread and insidious issue in our community. The ongoing pandemic has made it very difficult for victims and survivors of domestic violence,” said Mary Lee Kiernan, President and CEO, YWCA Greenwich. “Funds raised at the event go directly to the life-saving work of YWCA Greenwich Domestic Abuse Services and provide hope and resources for people experiencing domestic violence.”
Domestic violence is the leading violent crime in the community of Greenwich. YWCA Greenwich is the only state designated and accredited provider of domestic abuse services in Greenwich with staff who are licensed to provide a variety of victim services.
YWCA Greenwich Domestic Abuse Services has helped thousands of women, children, and some men since opening its doors in 1981. No client is ever turned away, and all services are free, including a 24-hour hotline, crisis intervention, emergency shelter, safety planning, individual and group counseling for adults, teens and children, and resources for navigating both civil and criminal court proceedings.
In addition to providing direct services to victims of abuse, YWCA Greenwich also provides professional trainings, as well as prevention education in Greenwich public and independent schools.
“For many domestic violence victims and survivors, the COVID-19 pandemic has made an already dangerous situation even worse. Victims have become even more isolated and fearful and need our support now more than ever,” said Meredith Gold, Director of Domestic Abuse Services at YWCA Greenwich. “The public support exemplified by the Walk the Walk event speaks volumes to those impacted by domestic violence in Greenwich and reassures them that our community really cares. “
The Walk the Walk co-chairs are: Pepper Anderson, YWCA Greenwich Board Member and President and Chief Executive Officer of Chilton Trust; First Selectman, Town of Greenwich, Fred Camillo; Christine Petta Kelland , Administrative Assistant, Wells Fargo Private Bank; and YWCA Greenwich Board Member, Tara Spiess Restieri.
To register, go to www.ywcagrn.org/walkthewalk.
Proceeds from the event will support the important work of YWCA Greenwich Domestic Abuse Services.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, call the YWCA 24/7 hotline at 203-622-0003.
For more information about the walk, please contact Jackie Stam at 203-869-6501 x102 or [email protected].