BHcare to kick off Domestic Violence Awareness Month at Long Wharf Pier event

NEW HAVEN - Join BHcare and Mayor Justin Elicker Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 1:15 p.m. at Long Wharf Pier to observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month with a press conference followed by the Annual Sound of Hope. 

This year’s theme, “Every Voice Matters, Every Action Counts,” reminds us that together, we have the power to create change. 

By speaking out, showing support, and taking action, we can bring hope and healing to the individuals, children, and families we serve.

Speakers include Justin Elicker, Mayor of New Haven; Roberta J. Cook, President/CEO of BHcare; Meghan Scanlon, President and CEO of the CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Esperina Stubblefield, Director of Domestic Violence Services at BHcare, along with domestic violence survivors.

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. 

Last year, BHcare helped more than 5,400 victims and children find hope, safety and healing.

Participants will honor the victims who lost their lives as a result of domestic violence in 2024. 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 played an integral part in 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 to be honored include:

• Officer Anthony Santos, Ansonia Police Department
• Officer Jenny Ribeiro, Ansonia Police Department 
• Officer Natalia Luty, Shelton Police Department 
• Officer John Napoleone, Shelton Police Department, 
• Detective Sergeant Courtney Bothwell, Milford Police Department 
• Officer Patrick Meehan, Woodbridge Police Department 
• Trooper Luis Decamps-Moran, Connecticut State Police, Troop I Bethany
• Officer Luke Julianelle, New 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, more than 5,400 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, offering free, comprehensive wraparound services to domestic violence victims and their families. 

Victims of domestic violence receive support, healing, and pathways to empowerment. 

This is a press release from BHcare.