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Delaney has served the Domestic Violence Crisis Center for nearly 25 years, where she created a medical advocacy project. Through that project, she personally training over 1,400 healthcare personnel on ways to identify and support domestic violence victims.
"Her relentless advocacy and unyielding support for victims and their families has been described as a gift," a statement from the YWCA said. "She has provided a range of support including on-site crisis counseling, counseling for safety planning, information about legal advocacy and regularly operates the overnight shift for the DVCC hotline. Susan’s ability to consistently manage crisis situations is exceptional. “
She has also provided extensive training and seminars to professional groups, social service agencies, faith communities and law enforcement.
Delaney also helped create and launch the Teen PeaceWorks program at Darien High School. Through workshops she has developed and led, children have learned about healthy and unhealthy relationships as well as about peace, empathy, tolerance and respect. This important educational program typifies her creative, compassionate and practical approach to tackling some of today’s darkest social issues.
“Too many victims to count have been fortunate to find comfort in her ability to listen, defuse and present options in often what are devastatingly frightening situations,” Debbie Fryer, a former PeaceWorks coordinator, wrote in a letter nominating Delaney as a Woman of Distinction.
Described by her friends and colleagues as a "patient teacher, an understanding listener and a dedicated advocate," Delaney's compassion and empathy are evident in the multi-faceted work she does with both victims and the broader community, the YWCA said.
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