Bruce Park walk puts spotlight on increasing problem of domestic violence in Greenwich

5 October 2020. Greenwich Time. Ken Borsuk.

GREENWICH — Supporters turned out in two shifts in Bruce Park on Sunday to step out and support the efforts of the YWCA Greenwich to bring awareness to the scope of domestic violence and work to end it.

The walk is part of the YWCA Greenwich’s events in October to mark national Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month.

The nonprofit encouraged supporters to walk 100 miles throughout September to put a spotlight on the issue. And on Sunday, supporters walked a ceremonial “final mile” together in Bruce Park.

“We really see this as a symbol of the community coming out and supporting victims of domestic violence, men, women and children,” YWCA Greenwich President and CEO Mary Lee Kiernan said last week.

Domestic abuse, which is already the No. 1 violent crime in Greenwich, has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic because so many people are stuck in their homes, Kiernan said.

There were 3,700 calls to their emergency hotline in 2019, she said. When the fiscal year ended on June 30, nearly 5,300 calls had come in, Kiernan said.

“Victims are in crisis as they quarantine with abusers,” she said. “We provided so many services remotely to support victims during this period.”

The YWCA Greenwich also holds an annual Candlelight Vigil during Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. This year’s event, where supporters celebrate survivors, honor deceased victims of abuse and light candles of hope for the future, will take place virtually at 6 p.m. Oct. 14.

To donate or to learn more about nonprofit’s 24/7 domestic abuse services, visit www.ywcagreenwich.org.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, call the YWCA Greenwich Domestic Abuse hotline at 203-622-0003. All calls are confidential, all services are free of charge, and no one is ever turned away. Services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.