A panel of experts on Thursday evening will discuss what local police have described as “New Canaan’s violent crime”: domestic violence.
Moderated by local advocate Dede Bartlett, the panel discussion titled ‘New Canaan’s Invisible Crisis: A Conversation About Domestic Violence’ will be held 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday in the Jim & Dede Bartlett Auditorium at New Canaan Library (register here, there were already 150 people signed up as of last week).
We put some questions to Bartlett ahead of the talk, which she notes also marks the fifth anniversary of Jennifer Dulos’s murder. “Our goal in presenting this program is to raise awareness of domestic violence,” Bartlett told NewCanaanite.com. “To give people resources to help a friend in need; and to describe what we all need to do to make New Canaan a healthier place.”
Here’s our full exchange.
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New Canaanite: The title of the talk refers to “New Canaan’s Invisible Crisis.” What do we know about the prevalence of domestic violence in New Canaan and what makes it invisible?
Dede Bartlett: Since the New Canaan Abuse Prevention Partnership was founded 20 years ago, there have been 1,970 domestic violence calls to the Police . 517 children were present in these violent homes. However, those 1,970 incidents were only the tip of the iceberg. Most domestic violence is unreported. 1 in 4 American women – ranging from teenagers to the elderly – are abused.
Partner violence is invisible because victims are afraid and/ or ashamed to seek help. They are silenced, bullied, intimidated, threatened, and isolated by their abusers. They fear abusers will harm their children and/or their pets. They fear sextortion and financial destitution.
Talk about the panel of experts that has been put together for Thursday evening. This feels like a holistic way to approach domestic violence.
Thursday’s program centers around a panel discussion with 4 experts who will cover a range of issues involved in partner violence: 1) Dr. Andrew Gerber, President and Director of Silver Hill Hospital, will address the role of mental health and alcohol and substance abuse in partner abuse. 2) Suzanne Adam, CEO of the Domestic Violence Crisis Center in Stamford and Norwalk, will speak about counseling for victims and their children. 3) State Representative Tom O’Dea will describe how Jennifers’ Law helps victims of partner violence. 4) Michelle Horton is an advocate and author of “Dear Sister” a harrowing account of her sister’s abusive relationship and her 7-year imprisonment for killing her partner in self-defense.
Tell us about local resources that available for victims of domestic violence.
In the 20 years since the New Canaan Abuse Prevention Partnership was founded, new organizations have been formed and existing organizations have stepped up their activities to help people in crisis. Particularly noteworthy has been the New Canaan Urgent Assessment Program run by Silver Hill Hospital and funded by the New Canaan Community Foundation. Also, programs in the schools like Teen Talk and Kids in Crisis and Women Empowering Women have strengthened vulnerable people. Lists of resources will be distributed at the May 30 program.
What would you say to a New Canaan resident who believes that they could be a victim of domestic violence?
It can be difficult to know how to help someone whom you suspect may be being abused. Victims are reluctant to seek help because they know they are in danger when they try to flee an abusive relationship. However, it is important they know their friends and relatives are there for them when they do feel it is safe to come forward.
Following this program, the Domestic Violence Crisis Center is holding two bystander briefing sessions in the library – one on Monday, June 3rd at 6:30 pm. in the Library and the second on Friday, June 7 at 11:00 a.m. – to provide people with tools to help friends in crisis.
What else would you like to say about Thursday’s panel discussion?
Domestic Violence is not one person’s private tragedy. This violence impacts the entire family and the entire community. All sectors of the community must be involved in creating a safer, healthier environment…including state and town officials, law enforcement, the clergy, the schools, the medical community, and the many professional and non-profit organizations in town.
[Seating for Thursday evening’s panel discussion is limited. Register here.]