Officials to kick off domestic violence awareness month at New Haven event

NEW HAVEN - Join BHcare and New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Long Wharf Pier to kick off Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 

The press conference will address the ongoing need for life-saving domestic violence services and will recognize the 26 Connecticut residents who lost their lives due to domestic violence in the last year.

Speakers include Mayor Justin Elicker, City of New Haven, Roberta J. Cook, President/CEO, BHcare, Meghan Scanlon, President and CEO of CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Senator Richard Blumenthal, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, David Zannelli, Assistant Chief of Police, City of New Haven, Esperina Stubblefield, Director of Domestic Violence Services, BHcare along with a domestic violence survivor.

Every October, the nation observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month to bring to light an issue that affects all our communities. On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. 

Domestic violence services providers are facing a fiscal cliff as the federal funds that support their services dwindle to record low levels. CT providers are facing a 70-80% reduction in funding from CT Judicial Office of Victim Services for hotline and court-based services, as well as the potential closure of programs directly funded by federal Victims of Crimes Act (VOCA) grants. 

Last year, BHcare helped more than 6,000 victims and children find hope, safety and justice. Approximately half of its funding for domestic violence services is in jeopardy. VOCA funds support on-site court advocates in New Haven, Derby, and Milford, its in-home Assistance, Support, and Counseling program for high-risk victims of domestic violence, its Hope Family Justice Center in downtown New Haven, and 24/7 crisis services for victims throughout Greater New Haven and beyond.

Participants will honor the 26 women, men and children who lost their lives as a result of domestic violence in 2023. Each person will receive a flower to toss into the harbor. The flowers represent the hopes and struggles of the survivors as they strive to become free from violence. The flower also gently reminds us of the lives that have been taken from us due to domestic violence. 

In addition, the event will honor local law enforcement who have been an integral part of BHcare’s domestic violence programs. 

Their dedication and tireless efforts have not only ensured the safety and well-being of victims of domestic violence, but have also fostered a sense of trust and collaboration that is invaluable to the pursuit of ending domestic violence once and for all. 

Those honored are Officer Daniel Evans, New Haven Police Department, Officer Evan Kelly, New Haven Police Department, Officer Heriberto Rodriguez, New Haven Police Department, Officer Igor Gloss, New Haven Police Department, Officer Mark O’Connor and Guilford Police Department, Officer Michael Stephens, North Haven Police Department.

For more information about the event or about domestic violence services visit www.BHcare.org. 

If you need immediate assistance, please call the 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline 1-888-774-2900.

The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services is a program of BHcare that provides services for victims and children of domestic violence free of charge. Each year, nearly 6,000 domestic violence victims, survivors and their children walk through the door of UCDVS looking for shelter, help and hope. 

The Hope Family Justice Center, a program of BHcare, is a collaboration of multiple community providers under one roof providing free wraparound services for domestic violence victims and their families. Victims of domestic violence receive support, healing and pathways to empowerment. 

This is a press release from BHcare.