Thursday morning, on the steps of Town Hall, First Selectman Gordon F. Joseloff issued a proclamation declaring October Domestic Awareness Month in Westport.  

"Even in a town like Westport, with manicured lawns and pretty houses, things go on behind closed doors that are unspeakable," said Joseloff, "We want people to know that there are professionals and volunteers available 24 hours a day to help.  If people need help, they should reach out; there are people out there who are ready and willing to help."

Members of the Westport Police force, Westport Domestic Violence Task Force, and the Domestic Violence Crisis Center stood by Joseloff as he read the proclamation, wearing purple clothing and wristbands in a symbol of solidarity in the fight to end this crime.

Elizabeth Juviler, chairman of the Westport Domestic Violence Task Force, spoke briefly, saying that a series of coordinated events will take place in Westport during the month to raise awareness that this is happening in Westport. 

Police officers were handing out brochures about domestic violence at the Westport train station this morning and volunteers from the Westport Domestic Violence Task Force and PeaceWorks, the education division of the Domestic Violence Crisis Center, were on site at the Westport Farmers Market distributing literature and educating residents on this crime that often goes unreported. 

Purple ribbons will be tied to trees and posts by members of the Westport Young Woman's League and the Westport Women's Club; each ribbon will represent one reported domestic violence incident in Westport in 2009. 

Domestic violence is a serious crime that affects people of all races, ages, genders, and income levels.  It affects more than four million Americans each year.  One in three Americans has witnessed an incident of domestic violence and one in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. 

Children who witness violence between their parents or caretakers are at the greatest risk transmitting violent behavior from one generation to the next.  Boys who witness domestic violence are twice as likely to abuse their own partners and children when they become adults and up to 60 percent of those who abuse their spouses are likely to abuse their children as well.

"We need to raise awareness among our citizens.  We need to stop this."  Juviler said.  "It is the aim during Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Westport to urge citizens to work together to eliminate domestic violence in our community."

The Domestic Violence Crisis Center's toll free hotline is 1-888-774-2900 and their website is www.dvccct.org