Vigil in New Haven to honor survivors, remember victims of domestic violence

NEW HAVEN - To raise awareness about domestic violence, BHcare’s The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services and Hope Family Justice Center will hold a vigil Tuesday to honor survivors and remember the victims of domestic violence. 

The Annual Sound of Hope will be held at 1 p.m.  at Long Wharf Pier.

The vigil will include the reading of names of those who have lost their life as a result of domestic violence. 

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.

Every October, the nation observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month to bring to light an issue that affects all of our communities. On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. During one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men. ncadv.org

Roberta J. Cook, President / CEO BHcare will open the ceremony followed by keynote speaker Jill Davies, Deputy Director, Attorney, Greater Hartford Legal Aid. 

The following police officers will be recognized for their role in the fight against domestic violence: Officer Anthony Santagata of the North Haven Police Department and Officer Doug Bauman of the West Haven Police Department. 

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

If you need immediate 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, nearly 6,000 domestic violence victims, survivors and their children walk through the door of UCDVS looking for shelter, help and hope. 

HFJC, a program of BHcare, is a collaboration of multiple community providers under one roof providing free wraparound services for domestic violence survivors and their families. Victims of domestic violence receive support, healing and pathways to empowerment. 

This is a press release from BHcare.