Some Wilton teenagers are taking a stand on a very current, in-the-news issue:  domestic violence. Their annual campaign to raise awareness on the issue is especially important, given the recent attention on the issue in the press following the incident of NFL player Ray Rice knocking his then-girlfriend unconscious in an elevator in an Atlantic City Hotel. There was a storm of public outcry over the NFL’s initial response of a minimal 2-day suspension. Rice was eventually suspended indefinitely by the NFL and dropped by the Baltimore Ravens.

Unfortunately, our legal system wasn’t quite so punitive. Rice entered into a pretrial intervention program so he wouldn’t be prosecuted and the felony charge of third-degree assault will be expunged after one year. This brings into light the importance of appropriate legislation so that our legal resources reflect the growing population who understand the importance of stopping domestic violence.

Rice’s girlfriend Janay Palmer stood by him and then married him. For anyone familiar with domestic violence this behavior isn’t surprising–it’s actually to be expected. It’s a classic response of the victim to blame themselves and take responsibility for the abuser’s actions because of the emotional abuse and psychological trauma that accompanies physical violence.

What may be the most important lesson in all of this is the power and results that come from speaking out. People were appalled at Rice’s actions and thankfully they spoke out in large numbers to express their outrage and made it clear that that this type of behavior is unacceptable.

Janay Palmer and all victims of domestic violence don’t need to be admonished, mocked, scoffed at or ignored. They need to be understood. They need to be supported.

That is why it was so great to see the members of Teen PeaceWorks from Wilton High School braving the bad weather on Saturday, Oct. 4 and adding to the sunshine on Sunday, Oct. 5 as they worked bake sales at the Village Market and hung purple ribbons in the Town Center to represent the 88 incidents of domestic violence reported in Wilton within the past year. (Pictured above are four of the eight PeaceWorks members:   Kaitlin McNamara, Kaitlin Zappaterrini, Nickia Muraskin, and Haley MacDonald.)

It is disconcerting to see the number of cases, especially when–according to FBI statistics–for every one incident reported, four more go unreported. However, as a town we are very fortunate to have a supportive Police Department and the services of the Domestic Violence Crisis Center. The D.V.C.C. provides free counseling, legal advice, housing and many other services to those in need.

It is also important to know that a club such as Teen PeaceWorks exists at the High School. How refreshing and inspiring to see these students working to spread awareness and sending a message that violence will not be tolerated.

They get the importance of standing together so that no one has to stand alone.

If you’d like to join them in their support against domestic violence please come to these events:

  • On Wednesday, Oct. 15, a day-long fundraiser at Open House Gift Shop (9 Center St.), come shop and a percentage of the proceeds will be donated to the D.V.C.C.
  • On Monday, Oct. 20 at 10 a.m. at Wilton Town Hall, come join us as Wilton’s first selectman Bill Brennan reads our Town Proclamation.

If you or anyone you know is in a violent relationship please call the DVCC 1-888-774-2900 or visit www.dvccct.org

Jennifer McNamara is the chair of Wilton’s Domestic Violence Task Force.