Recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Senator John A. Kissel (R-Enfield) hosts Annalisa Deal, Mary Davenport and Rachel Walsh from The Network on Senator Kissel and Friends during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

By: Senator John A. Kissel

This week on Senator Kissel and Friends I had the pleasure of having The Network Against Domestic Abuse in the studio. The Network works to reduce the occurrence of domestic violence by providing assistance to adult victims and their children. They also provide preventive education throughout our school systems and communities here in North Central Connecticut.  All three of my guests work for The Network Against Domestic Abuse.

My first guest, Annalisa Deal, is the Community Youth Educator – she works to promote healthy relationships and provides educational workshops for children of all ages. As Annalisa pointed out on the show, building healthy relationships as children is key to successful relationships later on in life.

Mary Davenport was my second guest; she is the Safe House Manager at The Network. Mary works where the rubber really hits the road; she manages The Network’s 24/7 hotline and oversees all of the intake cases into the safe house. I was surprised to learn that The Network receives referrals all across the state and even takes in individuals and families from other states. Mary stressed the importance of the 24/7 hotline, where you can call in anonymously and talk about your situation.

The 24/7 hotline can be reached at 860-763-4542.

My third guest was Rachel Walsh; she is the Family Violence Victim Advocate in the Enfield Court. Her role is to reach out to the victims of domestic violence to explain the court process to them. Her goal is to make sure the victim is safe and understands how the system works and also what services The Network offers.

The Network does great work within our community and offers all of their services free of charge. That is why it is so important to support them in whatever way you can. One way to do this is at their upcoming fundraiser, the Purple Event, which will be held at the Windsor Marriot on Friday, November 3 at 6:30 p.m. For more information about this fundraiser visit their website at www.thenetworkct.org.

This episode of Senator Kissel and Friends will air on Channel 15, with upcoming air times on Mondays at 9:00 p.m. and Tuesdays at 12:00 p.m.