In support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month and in partnership with the Domestic Violence Crisis Center and the Westport Domestic Violence Task Force, we are welcoming author Dana Buckmir in conversation about her new memoir, Everything Will Be Okay. Dana will be joined in conversation by Ann Rodwell-Lawton, Associate Director of the Domestic Violence Crisis Center.
Erik Becker is the charming, witty and charismatic stranger who messages Dana, challenging her to step out of her comfort zone and give love another chance. Dana thinks she’s met her soulmate but soon realizes that the man of her dreams is not who he seems. What initially begins as a whirlwind romance quickly transforms into something that could lead to dire consequences.
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Dana Buckmir is the author of Everything Will Be Okay and Plenty of Laughs: One Woman's Journey Navigating the Online Dating Waters. She also contributes to a biweekly dating column called, "Oh Dana" that gives advice on relationship topics. Dana believes that storytelling not only entertains, but reminds us that we are sharing a collective experience that makes us a little more connected and a little less lonely. This philosophy and her teaching background inspired her to create a workshop and coaching program, "Write your story: From Idea to Publication" where she mentors aspiring authors.
Ann Rodwell-Lawton is the Associate Director of the Domestic Violence Crisis Center (DVCC). Ann oversees DVCC's community initiatives, direct services programs, and quality assurance efforts. Ann has worked in the field of domestic violence and sexual assault for ten years. She integrates victim-centered approaches and brings a trauma-informed lens to the work at DVCC.
Previously, she was the Director of Education, Training & Outreach at the Women's Center of Greater Danbury. Ann earned her Master's in Social Work from Hunter College with a concentration in community organization, planning and development. Ann has extensive knowledge of youth primary prevention programming and has been trained in many evidence-based prevention programs.
Domestic Violence Crisis Center
Since 1980, the Domestic Violence Crisis Center (DVCC) has provided counseling and advocacy services for victims of domestic violence and their children. DVCC is the only state-certified agency recognized by the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) serving the communities of Norwalk, Stamford, New Canaan, Darien, Westport, Weston and Wilton.
DVCC’s role is to help those experiencing any level of domestic violence and assist them in building a safer environment for the well-being of themselves and their families. Our services include 24-hour crisis intervention including two emergency safe houses, trauma-informed individual and group counseling, legal advocacy, and housing and financial advocacy. All victim services are free and confidential, and all services offered are multicultural/multilingual.
DVCC’s mission is to provide effective services, support, and education for the prevention and elimination of domestic violence across the Connecticut communities we serve and beyond.
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Westport DV Task Force
Domestic Violence Crisis Center
Domestic Violence Awareness
Sexual Assault Support
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