We joined The Southern Hilltown Domestic Violence Task Force  to bring the community together for the first annual Hilltown Community Strong Walk & Hike on Saturday at the AMC Noble View Outdoor Center in Russell in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness month. All Donations raised during the event went to the Southern Hills Survivor Recovery Fund, which provides assistance to our community survivors as they work toward safety, stability, and recovery.

The Southern Hills Domestic Violence Task Force is the oldest rural domestic violence task force in Massachusetts. It was launched in 1998 after State Police in Russell complained to town officials that there was no local help for survivors and that responding to a domestic violence call could take up to an hour to just arrive on scene. In 2006, the Task Force founded Hilltown Safety at Home, a domestic violence program
now run by Hilltown Community Health Centers. The Task Force works with community members, including schools, healthcare providers, police and others to support survivors and educate the community in preventing domestic violence.

The Task Force is open to community members and agencies that serve in the Southern Hills communities and meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month. For more information contact the Task Force at southernhillsdvtaskforce@gmail.com or visit us on Facebook.

Signs of an unsafe relationship include one person controlling decisions – where you go, what you do, isolates you; Lacks trust and respect – jealousy, possessiveness, putting you down; you are blamed for everything and may fear your partner. If you or someone you know is being mistreated or abused by a partner, you can reach an advocate from Hilltown Safety as Home at 413-693-9977. For immediate help, call the 24/7 state-wide hotline at 1-877-785-2020.

See all our events, maps, blog and photos at www.hilltownhikers.com please donate, we are 100% funded by you! Join our membership community and take part in our adventures every weekend!  https://westernmasshilltownhikers.com/donate/  venmo @hilltownhikers we are certified and insured mass 501c3 non-profit organization

Western Mass Hilltown Hikers  Visit Massachusetts Visit the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts   #hikethehilltowns with the #westernmasshilltownhikers #hilltownhistory #hikingwithdogs @topfans