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.

The Umbrella teams with police, advocates to reduce domestic violence

Creation of Family Justice Center eyed
The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services recently held a two-day planning session for a new Family Justice Center in New Haven. 

New Haven Mayor Toni Harp

The local police, prosecutors, civil legal service providers, and community-based advocates met to put together a plan to decrease domestic violence in the community. 

A Family Justice Center is the co-location of a multi-disciplinary team of professionals who work together, under one roof, to provide coordinated services to victims of family violence. 

The core concept is to provide one place where victims can go to talk to an advocate, plan for their safety, interview with a police officer, meet with a prosecutor, receive medical assistance, receive information on shelter, and get help with transportation.

The Family Justice Center model has been identified as a best practice in the field of domestic violence intervention and prevention services by the United States Department of Justice. 
There are many documented and published outcomes in the Family Justice Center model including reduced homicides, increased victim safety and reduced fear and anxiety for victims and their children. 
New Haven Police Chief Anthony Campbell said in a recent interview his priorities include “starting a family justice center to tackle domestic violence and building more community trust in his cops.” 

New Haven Mayor Toni Harp, U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, and U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal have also all openly supported the creation of a Family Justice Center.

The Family Justice Center initiative is a community project and anyone who is interested to learn more or get involved should contact Project Coordinator Julie Johnson at 203-780-2033 or j_johnson@bhcare.org. 

Following The New Haven Family Justice Center at www.facebook.com/NewHavenFJC and www.twitter.com/NHFJC_CT.  If you need immediate domestic violence assistance, please call our 24-hour domestic violence hotline 1-888-774-2900.

UCDVS is a program of BHcare that provides services for victims and children of domestic violence free of charge. 

Each year, more than 6,000 abused women and their children walk through the door of UCDVS looking for shelter, help, and hope. 

Learn more at www.bhcare.org.

This is a press release from BHcare.