WESTFORD — The following letter was shared by the Westford Coalition for Non-Violence for distribution and publication.
Westford Coalition for Non-Violence (WCNV) and J.V. Fletcher Library are working in collaboration to raise awareness of domestic violence for the month of October. For many years the J.V. Fletcher Library has put out books for children on bullying and books for adults on domestic violence. This partnership continues to provide education for our community members and beyond. We feel it is so important to educate on what a healthy relationship looks like and what the warning signs of an unhealthy relationship look like.
Domestic violence continues to be at the forefront of many news articles and stories every day. Thirteen years ago, in our own Westford community, two domestic violence events resulted in the death of two of our residents. In response to these tragedies, the Westford Coalition for Non-Violence, WCNV was formed. The members that make up this coalition, include town employees, residents, victims/survivors, and other community partners. The Westford Coalition for Non-Violence’s mission statement is to “Promote healthy relationships and foster a culture of non-violence for all members of our community.”
We are committed to our mission and are grateful for the hard work of our coalition members, as they continue to spread this very important message. We have updated our educational handbook on domestic violence, which can be found in several places throughout town, including the Westford Town Hall, J.V. Fletcher Library, the Police Station, and the Cameron Senior Center. This book is a free resource. There is help, hope, and support. We have resources listed on our WCNV website and in our handbook. https://westfordma.gov/1364/Coalition-for-Non-Violence
WCNV will be presenting “Healthy Relationships, Understanding Abuse, Setting Boundaries, and Identifiying Warning Signs” on Monday, October 23, 2023 at 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm, followed by 10 minutes of guided meditation, at the J.V. Fletcher Library, in the main meeting room. Please email Mandy Vozzo Willis mvozzowillis@westfordma.gov to register.
For the month of October, the gazebo at the town common will be lit up in purple lights, to signify domestic violence awareness month.
If interested in being a part of the Westford Coalition for Non-Violence, please contact Chair of WCNV, Gail Johnson, BSN, RN Public Health Nurse gjohnson@westfordma.gov.
Disclaimer: Submitted content does not necessarily represent the opinions or views of WestfordCAT, its employees, its volunteers, its board members, its donors, its members or its sponsors.
WestfordCAT News shares newsletters, press releases and member submissions at the discretion of the editor. Shared newsletters or press releases may be submitted by town departments, elected officials, student organizations, community organizations, local non-profit organizations or any other organization, entity or individual that feels its content would be of public benefit.
