TORRINGTON – “Why doesn’t she just leave?” That is the question many ask when there is domestic violence at home and the victim stays. Ironically the question projects responsibility onto the victim, or victim blaming. Perhaps the question should be, “Why are abusers allowed to treat their own family that way?” Is it about free will or is it about domination and control?
Those questions and many more will be discussed during the upcoming free Volunteer Training presented by the Goshen County Task Force on Family Violence and Sexual Assault. Classes will be at the Goshen County Task Force downtown office, 1933 Main Street in Torrington. Volunteer training will be presented in two sections. Phase One will run Feb. 5-26 on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings 5:30-8 p.m. Those sessions will provide an overview of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse and stalking. Phase Two will continue with 20 more hours of instruction in April covering the legal process, victim advocacy and local resources. Students wishing to earn Certification as advocates must complete both phases of the training. Pre-registration is required for production of training materials. For more information or to register for the course call the Goshen County Task Force downtown office at (307) 532-5050 during business hours 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, or the main business number at (307) 532-2118 anytime.
