Noroton Heights Fire Department donates to two safe houses

The Noroton Heights Fire Department donated essential supplies, including linens, pillows and toiletries, to two Domestic Violence Crisis Center safe houses.

"The crime of domestic violence is devastating to families, whether in Darien or in other communities throughout Connecticut," said Susan Warren, chairwoman of the Darien Domestic Abuse Partnership. "The Darien Police Department received 121 domestic violence calls in the past year, and we want to ensure that everyone knows help is available for victims of abuse."

The Darien Domestic Abuse Partnership is made up of more than 30 people who live or work in Darien, including police officers, physicians, social workers, nurses, lawyers, community leaders, athletic coaches, state and local representatives and DVCC board members. The partnership provides awareness events designed to educate the community about domestic violence and works with local groups to generate support for the services provided to victims by the DVCC.

The Noroton Heights Fire Department is the latest organization to make a donation to the DVCC SafeHouses. Other donor groups include Talmadge Hill Church and Calvary Baptist Church.

The DVCC offers confidential services at no charge, including court and legal services, group and individual counseling, temporary shelter, housing services, children's services, medical advocacy, professional adult trainings, multilingual services, PeaceWorks prevention education, a 24-hour hotline (1-888-774-2900), and EsperanzaCT, a Spanish language website and 24-hour phone service line.

Organizations wanting to make a donation should contact Warren at susanfwarren@yahoo.com.