Vigil in New Haven to raise awareness of domestic violence

Every October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month is observed to bring to light an issue that effects all of our communities. Every 9 seconds, a woman is battered in the U.S. One in four women and one in seven men in the U.S. are victims of domestic violence at some point in their lives.

To raise awareness about domestic violence, BHcare’s The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services will hold a vigil to honor and remember survivors and victims of domestic violence.

The 16^th Annual Sound of Hope will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Long Wharf Pier, New Haven.  

The vigil will include the reading of names of those who have died as a result of domestic violence. Participants will receive a flower to throw into the harbor. 

Each flower represents the hopes and struggles of the survivors as they work to end violence in their lives and also honors those whose lives have been lost due to domestic violence.

For more information about the vigil, or about domestic violence services call (203) 736-2601, ext. 1381, or visit www.bhcare.org.  If you need immediate assistance, please call our 24-hour domestic violence hotline 1-888-774-2900.

This is a press release from UCDVS, a program of BHcare that provides services for victims and children of domestic violence free of charge. Each year, over 7,000 abused women and their children walk through the door of UCDVS looking for shelter, help and hope.