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.

My Sister's Place Thrift Store in Ansonia to host Customer Appreciation Day

Mark your calendars for Thursday, Oct. 23 - it's Purple Thursday! 

By simply wearing purple, you can play a vital role in raising awareness and showing survivors that they are not alone in their journey. 

Join us at My Sister’s Place in the heart of Ansonia, 380 Main St., from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., where you can enjoy a special 20% discount on your order as a heartfelt thank you for your support. 

Together, let’s unite in this meaningful cause—wear purple, enjoy great savings, and reinforce our commitment to providing hope and help to individuals and families in need.

Shared from My Sister's Place Facebook event page.

Ansonia police officers interviewed about domestic violence awareness video

From the Ansonia Police Department Facebook page: 

Make sure you tune into WFSB channel 3 at 3 p.m. today, November 5, to watch Great Day Connecticut. 

Officer Ribeiro and Officer Semeraro were interviewed about the video they created for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Vigil in Shelton to honor survivors, remember victims of domestic violence

SHELTON - Every October, the nation observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month to bring light to an issue that affects all of our communities. 

Every nine seconds, a woman is abused 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 and Hope Family Justice Center of New Haven will hold an annual vigil to honor survivors and remember the victims of domestic violence.

A candlelight vigil will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8 at Veteran’s Memorial Park, 38 Canal Street E.

UCDVS and HFJC aim to bring hope to those affected, offer support to survivors and stand as a community committed to change. Every voice and every light matters in the fight to end domestic violence.
“Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a time for us to come together as a community, to remember those who have lost their lives, to acknowledge the survivors, and to reiterate our unwavering support for those who have faced or are facing domestic violence in their homes and their lives,” said Esperina Stubblefield, Director of Domestic Violence Services, BHcare.

Geralyn O'Neil-Wild, Chief Operating Officer of CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence will be guest speaker followed by the recognition of police officers. 

Officer Joshua Cash of the Derby Police Department and Officer Jenny Ribeiro of the Ansonia Police Department will be recognized for their role in the fight against domestic violence.

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.

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. 

My Sister's Place Thrift Store in Ansonia posts weekly sales

My Sister's Place Thrift Store and Donation Center is located at 380 Main St., Ansonia. 

All purchases support BHcare's The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services.

This is shared from the store's Facebook page.

My Sister's Place Thrift Store in Ansonia posts weekly sales

My Sister's Place Thrift Store and Donation Center is located at 380 Main St., Ansonia. 

All purchases support BHcare's The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services.

This is shared from the store's Facebook page.

Candlelight vigil in Shelton to remember domestic violence victims, honor survivors

SHELTON - Every October, the nation observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month to bring light to an issue that effects all of our communities. 

Every 9 seconds, a woman is abused 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 and Hope Family Justice Center of New Haven will hold a vigil to honor survivors and remember the victims of domestic violence. 

Our annual Candlelight Vigil will be held Oct.11 at 6 p.m. at Veterans Park, 38 Canal Street East.

Roberta J. Cook, President / CEO BHcare and Mayor Mark Lauretti will open the ceremony followed by keynote speaker Susan M. Omilian JD. 

Omilian is an attorney, author, trainer, and motivational speaker. She has helped hundreds of women reclaim their lives after violence, abuse, and trauma.

Lt. Robert Weymer of the Milford Police Department and Officer Jorge Nieves of the Ansonia Police Department will be recognized for their role in the fight against domestic violence.

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.

My Sister's Place Thrift Store in Ansonia posts weekly sales

My Sister's Place Thrift Store and Donation Center is located at 380 Main St., Ansonia. 

All purchases support BHcare's The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services.

This is shared from the store's Facebook page.

Abundant Life Fellowship Ministries in Ansonia to hold vigil to fight domestic violence

 

My Sister's Place thrift store in Ansonia hosting Customer Appreciation Day today

ANSONIA - Take a trip to the heart of Ansonia today and visit My Sister’s Place thrift store from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.!

The store is located at 380 Main St. 

Customers who visit will have the opportunity to choose a heart surprise at checkout with a special discount coupon inside and one lucky customer will get their entire order for FREE!

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

My Sister’s Place, a program of BHcare, is a unique family thrift shop and donation center supporting victims of domestic violence and their children. 

The store offers quality new and gently used clothing, furniture, and housewares at discount prices. 

All proceeds from MSP support BHcare’s The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services.

The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services provides emergency shelter, a 24-hour crisis hotline, walk-in crisis centers, counseling, advocacy, and other critical support services, completely free of charge to nearly 6,000 victims of domestic violence and their children each year.

To learn more about My Sister’s Place, visit www.supportumbrella.org or call (203) 734-2960.

This is shared from My Sister's Place Facebook page.

 

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

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

The Annual Sound of Hope will be held Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 1 p.m. at Long Wharf Pier, New Haven. 

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

Pat Griffin, Connecticut Chief State Attorney, will be guest speaker and members of the local police departments will be recognized for their role in the fight against domestic violence. 

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.

My Sister's Place in Ansonia marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Sharing from My Sister's Place Facebook page:

"While October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, everyday we support the programs and services of The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services.

"All proceeds of our shop go directly back to UCDVS, helping victims and survivors rebuild their lives."

My Sister's Place family thrift shop is located at 380 Main St., Ansonia.

Klarides-Ditria recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month, shares resources

Please join me in recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  Domestic violence is a serious violent crime that can include both physical and emotional abuse.  It is frequently hidden from public view and many victims suffer in silence, afraid to seek help or not knowing where to turn.  The traumatic effects of domestic violence may also extend beyond the victim and may impact family members and communities.  Stalking is a common and dangerous tactic sometimes used by perpetrators of domestic violence that can pose challenges for victims trying to seek help. If you or someone you know needs assistance, the State of Connecticut offers resources for those affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and trafficking. If you need an advocate or just someone to talk to, free, safe online or over-the-phone information is available 24 hours a day at www.CTSafeConnect.com or by calling/texting (888) 774-2900. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence also provides resources on their website at: https://ncadv.org/2021DVAM No one should ever be subjected to the fear, shame, and humiliation of an abusive relationship.  During this time of awareness, I hope everyone can take the time to learn how to best support a friend or family member looking to free themselves from abuse and help give a voice to those who suffer in silence. Last year, the House Republican Caucus proposed a bill (HB 5306) giving temporary assistance to victims of domestic violence. It had broad support among domestic abuse support non-profit organizations, the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity (CWCSEO), and multiple Democratic legislators. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic it was not brought to the floor of the House. This year, with the same broad support, it was able to finally make its debut onto the House floor and passed unanimously. Ultimately, democrats supported the concept and adopted the language in SB 1091 which I proudly supported; click here to read more. The bill provides temporary assistance to domestic violence victims by waiving the benefits income thresholds for 90 days.  It does this by not counting the income of a spouse, domestic partner, or other household member credibly accused of domestic violence. The bill allows allegations of domestic violence to be substantiated in accordance with existing law. It requires the funds to be taken solely out of the state-funded Temporary Family Assistance Diversion Program instead of from federally-funded programs.

Sincerely,