County, city leaders mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Rochester, New York — The Willow Domestic Violence Center’s mission remains as important as ever.

According to its 2020 Report to the Community, the center said there was a 20 percent increase in calls to its 24/7 hotline during the pandemic.

On Friday two thousand purple flags were placed in front of the Strong-Todd House on East Avenue, each one representing four survivors of domestic violence who received help from the center’s hotline between March and December 2020.

According to Willow President and CEO Meaghan de Chateauvieux, when it comes to preventing domestic violence it can start by educating children when they are young about pertinent topics.

“We can start with little ones, talking about hands are not for hitting, how to be a good friend, what it means to be bullied, how it feels, and how not to be the bully to someone else,” she said.

County and city leaders issued a joint proclamation to declare this month as domestic Violence Awareness Month in Rochester and Monroe County.

The Willow Domestic Violence Center asks anyone who has or knows someone who is experiencing domestic violence, to contact at 222-SAFE, or via text at 348-SAFE.