HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC) - February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and Interval House's Men Make a Difference, Men Against Domestic Violence gathered at the State Capitol to share the message - Love Shouldn't Hurt.
The gathering on Valentine's Day showcased the group's recommitment to the cause and reiterate that there is never an excuse for violence and abuse in an intimate partner relationship.
Men Against Domestic Violence was founded in 2009 by Interval House and Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal. The group is comprised of dozens of well-known men across Connecticut. They work through community outreach and collaboration to help break the pattern of abuse by serving as role models for young men while encouraging them to be leaders in changing cultures and attitudes.
Mary-Jane Foster is the CEO and President of Interval House, an organization that has help over 250,000 women and children who experienced psychological and physical abuse at the hand of a domestic or intimate partner. Interval House works with Men Against Domestic Violence to change the alarming pattern of abuse.
According to national and state statistics, one in three teenagers report being physically, sexually or emotionally hurt by their partner. Additionally, about 17-percent of state high school students report being emotionally abused by a dating partner and eight-percent report being physically abused. Groups like Interval House and Men Against Domestic Violence work to help victims while preventing further abuse and violence.
"Intimate partner abuse and teen dating violence is a public health crisis and not just in Connecticut," Foster said. "This destructive behavior reaches into all communities, all neighborhoods and yes, all age groups including our teens. These men have taken a stand to do whatever they can to end this pandemic and they are making a difference."
Services are available to domestic abuse victims in 24 communities in the greater Hartford area and are provided to those seeking help in confidence at no cost.
There is a 24-hour hotline for those with questions or for those seeking aid in the face of domestic abuse. The numbers have been provided below...
24-hour Hotline: 860-527-0550
Statewide Hotline: 1-888-774-2900
Spanish Hotline 1-844-831-9200
