FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Kate Zielsdorf,
Communications and Program Associate
Phone: (484) 356-0940
E-mail: katherine@ccfwg.org
The Coordinated Community Campaign To End Domestic and Sexual Violence
(West Chester) October 5, 2016 — The Coordinated Community Campaign to end domestic and sexual violence in Chester County kicked off Domestic Violence Month on Tuesday, October 4th, 2016 at the Downingtown Municipal Building. A wide variety of perspectives, including those representing municipal and county officials, the District Attorney’s Office, law enforcement, school districts, universities, and the non-profit sector, came together to discuss the realities of domestic and sexual violence in Chester County and what can be done to address it.
Recommendations towards achievable outcomes were made such as Lethality Assessment Program (LAP) Training for all police officers in Chester County and the implementation of violence prevention program in all schools in Chester County. The mayors of West Chester, Downingtown, Honeybrook, and Kennett Square were in attendance and vowed their support of the coordinated effort to end domestic and sexual violence. They all agreed, “It is not going to be just one of us solving this issue,” and that, “It has to be an effort we are all working towards.”
“The commitment and passion of the 25 people in attendance were inspiring. It was an important discussion that brought about a deeper understanding of a complex problem, but it was only the starting point of ongoing collective efforts to address the issue,” said Michelle Legaspi Sanchez, Executive Director of the Chester County Fund for Women and Girls (CCFWG). The event was planned by CCFWG, the Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County, the Domestic Violence Center, West Chester University, and Downingtown Mayor Josh Maxwell.
The Chester County Fund for Women and Girls leads and unites the community through philanthropy and advocacy to ensure that women and girls have resources and opportunities to thrive. For more than 18 years, the Fund has raised awareness about the critical needs of women and girls, and has awarded over $2.6 million to 69 non-profit organizations. To learn more about the Chester County Fund for Women and Girls, visit www.ccfwg.org.