Walk in Ansonia to support awareness of breast cancer, domestic violence

 

Ansonia Police charge New Haven man in domestic violence incidents

Darryl Giles

ANSONIA - On June 24, 2025, Darryl Giles, 35, of New Haven was taken into custody on two arrest warrants for domestic violence incidents that occurred in Ansonia on June 24, 2025 and June 16, 2025, Lt. Patrick Lynch said today.

Both of the incidents involved the same victim.

 

During the June 16 incident Giles is accused of forcing his way into the victim’s home in violation of a protective order. 

Giles was charged with violation of protective order, burglary second degree and criminal trespass first degree. He was held on a court set bond of $75,000 and arraigned June 25 at Derby Superior Court.

 

During the June 24 incident Giles is accused of entering the victim’s home in violation of a protective order and assaulting the victim causing serious head and facial injuries. 

Giles was charged with Assault Second Degree, Violation of Protective Order, Criminal Trespass First Degree, Disorderly Conduct and Operating Under Suspension, he was held on a court set $500,000 bond and arraigned June 25 at Derby Superior Court.

 

All arrestees are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

This is a press release from Lt. Patrick Lynch.

Online auction starts today to support work of BHcare

 

Our Auction is NOW OPEN! Let the bidding begin! 

Bid now: https://givebutter.com/c/ACTS2025/auction

Support BHcare and place your bids on incredible items from gift baskets, concerts, and experiences to local favorites and more!
Every bid helps individuals and families impacted by mental health, domestic violence, and substance use. 

Spread the word, tag your friends, and don’t miss out! 

This is shared from BHcare's Facebook page.

Abundant Life in Ansonia to host domestic violence, breast cancer awareness event

 

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.

Candlelight 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 9 seconds, a woman is battered 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 15^th Annual Candlelight Vigil will be held at 6 p.m Oct. 11 at Veteran’s Park, 38 Canal St. East.

Rebecca Barry, Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney, will be the keynote speaker. Local police officers 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.

Ansonia Police: Man held on charges after alleged abduction

Joshua Lopez

ANSONIA - At about 5:15 p.m. Saturday Ansonia Police received a complaint of an abduction of a female and her sixth-month old daughter on High Street. 

The first officers on scene met the complainant who reported her sister, Galylea Perez, 22, and Galylea’s six-month-old daughter Eliana Perez were forced into a car by Joshua Lopez, 23, the father of Eliana, Lt. Patrick Lynch said in a release Sunday afternoon. 

Lopez was driving a four-door silver Honda Accord with Massachusetts registration 2NCT89. 

The complainant reported Lopez implied he had a gun but no weapon was displayed. 

There was a current domestic violence no-contact court order out of New York City against Lopez involving Galylea. 

The vehicle description as well as photos of the car and the parties involved were sent out to the surrounding towns and throughout the state. 

Lynch said at about 7 p.m. the Shelton Police Department contacted Ansonia Police to report they had Perez in custody. 

Galylea and Eliana were not on scene but had been picked up by another relative; they were both safe and unharmed. There was no weapon found on Perez or in his car at the time of his arrest.

Lopez was charged with Violation of a Protective Order and Breach of Peace Second Degree, he was held on a $100,000 bond to be arraigned Monday at Derby Superior Court.

The investigation into the reported abduction is ongoing.

The Ansonia Police Department strongly urges anyone who may be in a relationship where domestic violence is occurring to contact their local authorities. 

Help is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. 

In the Valley, The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services can be reached by phone at 203-736-9944, 203-789-8104 or 1-888-774-2900 or through the internet at https://bhcare.org/page/22595-The-Umbrella-Center-for-Domestic-Violence-Services- . 

Statewide domestic violence assistance can be found at www.CTSafeConnect.org or call/text (888)774-2900.


This is a press release from Lt. Patrick Lynch.

BHcare to host walk, celebration in Oxford in honor of domestic violence victim

Registration is Open! A Chance to Shine 2022 Join us on June 4 at Quarry Walk in Oxford, CT! Registration is open! We're hosting a walk in honor of Lori Jackson, a victim of domestic violence.  We walk in honor of our clients' strength and spirit that allows them to trust BHcare in times of crisis. A community celebration will follow with live music, lawn games, Touch-A-Truck, food trucks and more! All proceeds raised support the critical programs of The Umbrella Center, Parent Child Resource Center, Hope Family Justice Center and BHcare’s mental health and substance use services. We hope you will support us and join us in June at Quarry Walk! 10 a.m. - A Walk to Remember Lori Jackson 11 a.m. - Community Celebration Early bird registration is until Friday, May 27! Sign up today! REGISTER TODAY!

Rochelle to host virtual forum on domestic violence

State Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia, Derby, will host a virtual forum on domestic violence at 3 p.m. Nov. 30.

The webinar will be held via Zoom, the web-based video conferencing platform. 

Rochelle will be joined by Lt. Patrick Lynch, Patrol Division Commander & Public Information Officer of the Ansonia Police Department; Meghan Scanlon, President & CEO of the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Cindy Carlson, Program Manager at the Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence, BHCare; and Geralyn O'Neil-Wild, TEAM, Inc. Board of Directors Board Officer.

 

Participants will learn more about the warning signs of domestic violence, the power and control dynamics involved, and community resources available to those experiencing domestic violence. 

This will include legal rights, transition services, and counseling options, among other topics. Panelists will also provide an overview of the new 2021 law that expanded Connecticut's definition of domestic violence to include coercive control, among other things. 

Participants will be able to register for the webinar at https://bit.ly/3nIPsHQ.

 

"Domestic violence can affect anyone regardless of their background, and the warning signs aren't always obvious. The pattern of behavior may start subtly and become more aggressive over time. This forum is designed to help those experiencing or possibly witnessing domestic violence to recognize the warning signs and know where they can access assistance in our community. Our goal is to also empower people who may be experiencing domestic violence and friends who may wish to learn how they can connect a loved one who is experiencing domestic violence to support," said Rochelle.

 

The forum comes two weeks after an Ansonia mother of three was allegedly killed by her husband during a domestic dispute. This is the third woman in two years from Ansonia or Derby to be killed by a current or former intimate partner. According to the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, this is also marks the ninth known intimate partner homicide in Connecticut this year.

 

Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive behavior where one partner attempts to control and dominate the other through verbal, psychological, physical, sexual, financial, or technological abuse.

 

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, domestic violence has become more prevalent as residents experience isolation and grapple with unemployment and diminished access to necessities. 

During the 2020 fiscal year from November 2019 to June 2020, the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence reported in June 2020, shelter capacity was at 151 percent, spending $78,803 on hotels to temporarily house victim-survivors. In that same month, outgoing calls to ensure existing clients could access services necessary to be safe increased 97 percent from June 2019.

 

Attendees will be able to ask the panelists questions before and during the event using the Zoom chat function. 

Individuals who have questions they would like to ask the panel privately and confidentially can email them to Rochelle  at Kara.Rochelle@cga.ct.gov.

This is a press release from Rochelle's office. 

Wear purple Thursday to honor survivors of domestic violence

ANSONIA - Join us [at My Sister's Place thrift store] Thursday and wear purple. 

Purple Thursday is a national day of action each October during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 

It is an opportunity to raise awareness about domestic violence and an easy way for people to show their commitment to promoting healthy relationships.

On Oct. 21, wear purple, be a voice, and start a conversation about domestic violence!

#ccadv #ucdvs #domesticviolenceawareness

All proceeds from My Sister's Place benefit BHcare's The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services.

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

BHcare's Hope Family Justice Center to celebrate survivors at New Haven event

 

NEW HAVEN - Join BHcare’s Hope Family Justice Center staff at 1 p.m. Aug. 9 at Quinnipiac River Park in Fair Haven to honor survivors.

In collaboration with the city of New Haven, Mayor Justin Elicker, and the Yale Community Advisory Board, BHcare will honor the strength and resilience of those whose lives have been touched by community and domestic violence.

Masks and social distancing are required. 

For those who cannot physically attend, Hope Family Justice Center will stream the event on Facebook live at Facebook.com/Hopefjc.

HFJC consists of a multi-disciplinary team of professionals who work together under one roof to provide free wraparound services and care to victims, survivors, and thrivers of domestic violence. 

By providing support and healing, access to services and pathways to empowerment, the Hope Center is dedicated to replacing violence with safety, despair with optimism, uncertainty with hope. Se habla Español.

If you need help or services, connect with the Hope Family Justice Center at 203-800-7204. 

If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance, call our 24-hour hotline numbers at 203-736-9944 or 203-789-8104.

HFJC is a program of BHcare, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic. 

The program offers a comprehensive and integrated system of care, with wrap-around services for adults, children and families struggling with mental health, substance use, domestic violence, and other health-risk behaviors. 

Learn more at BHcare.org.

This is from a press release from BHcare.

My Sister's Place Thrift Store in Ansonia needs housewares, appliances

 

My Sister's Place Thrift Store & Donation Center, a program of BHcare, is located at 380 Main St., Ansonia.

Fundraiser in memory of murder victim slated at Veterans Park in Ansonia

 

Ansonia Police report officer-involved shooting

ANSONIA - Ansonia Police Lt. Patrick Lynch said this morning in a prepared release: "On January 2, 2020 at about 8:00 p.m., while investigating a domestic violence incident at 81 Myrtle Avenue, there was an officer involved shooting when officers from the Ansonia Police Department were confronted by the suspect who was armed with a knife. 

There will be a press conference today, 1/3/2020, at 11:00 a.m. at Ansonia City Hall to release more information regarding the investigation."

BHcare to host opening of HOPE Family Justice Center in New Haven

NEW HAVEN - BHcare will host a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Aug. 5 for the HOPE Family Justice Center of Greater New Haven. 

The event, featuring New Haven Mayor Toni Harp, will be held at 1 p.m. at 142 Temple St., 3rd floor. 

The public is invited to celebrate the center’s opening and discover more about the comprehensive, wraparound services, as well as support those affected by domestic violence. RSVP to dmorfi@hbcare.org.

HFJC is a collaboration of multiple community providers under one roof providing free wraparound services for domestic violence survivors and their families. 

It can take a victim over 25 hours to travel to multiple appointments to receive services. With each appointment, the victim must re-tell their story - reliving every painful detail as they meet with various providers. 

“Here, victims of domestic violence receive support, healing, and pathways to empowerment,” said site manager Paola Serrecchia. "We’re dedicated to replacing violence with safety, despair with optimism, uncertainty with hope.”

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. 

HFJC 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. 

Follow HOPE 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. 

This is a press release from BHcare.

Branford Lions Club donates $1,000 to BHcare's Clothing Bank

Contributed photo

BHcare's Clothing Bank recently received a $1,000 donation from the Branford Lions Club. 

The money was raised during an annual Octoberfest event. The Branford Lions Club has been a loyal supporter of the Clothing Bank for many years.

For more than 35 years, BHcare has been providing hope and help for individuals, families, and children affected by mental illness, domestic violence, and substance abuse. 

The BHcare Clothing Bank is an outreach program of BHcare that provides clothing to those in need. 

Thanks to generous donors, the Clothing Bank supplies clothing, shoes, accessories, baby gear, linens and personal care items for than 3,000 individuals and families each year. 

Clothing Bank clients can visit monthly and select several articles of clothing for each family member for a nominal charge of $20 per year. 

We need the help of the community for both donations and volunteers to assist at the Clothing Bank. 

For more information contact Jim Lamb at jlamb@bhcare.org or 203-641-5638.

The Clothing Bank is located in the Patricia C. Andriole Volunteer Service Center, 30 Harrison Ave., Branford. 

Hours are Monday-Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Regional community provider

BHcare is a regional community provider of behavioral health, addiction prevention, and domestic violence services for the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven, and Shoreline communities. 

For more information, visit www.bhcare.org.

This is a press release from BHcare.   

Logan, Petit, Drazen join Men Against Violence initiative in Hartford

Contributed photo

Pictured from left: state Rep. Dr. William A. Petit Jr., journalist Brad Drazen, state Sen. George S. Logan and many other Men Against Violence joined together Wednesday at the Legislative Office Building to spread the message that domestic violence and abuse is never acceptable.  

The group was founded by Interval House in 2009 in an effort to end domestic violence. February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. For information visit www.IntervalHouseCT.org.

BHcare to hold 30th annual Bowl-2-Benefit The Umbrella in Milford

*Sharing this information from BHcare website:

• Saturday, March 10, 2018

• Bowlero, 1717 Boston Post Road, Milford

• 5 Bowling Sessions: 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

• Join us for the 30th Annual Bowl-2-Benefit BHcare’s The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services!

  One of the largest events of its kind in the state, the event unites over 1,200 concerned citizens, businesses, school, organizations and community leaders in the fight against domestic violence.

  HOW DOES IT WORK?
  Teams of 4-5 bowlers of all ages and skills are welcome to participate. Teams must pre-register for one of the five bowling sessions.

  There is a $5 per bowler registration fee and all bowlers are asked to raise $50 in pledges. Participants receive 90 minutes of bowling, event t-shirt, shoe rental, soft drink and a chance to win some great prizes.

  Pre-register your team by contacting Kati Lewantowicz at klewantowicz@bhcare.org or (203) 446-9739, ext. 1327.
• 
  
• THE FACTS, THE PROGRAM
  Every 9 seconds, a woman is battered in the United States. 

  You can make a difference by bowling a strike against domestic violence!
• The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services provides emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis hotline, counseling, court advocacy and support services to over 7,000 victims and their children each year.

• TEAM REGISTRATION

• We are in the process of our creating new online registration. If you are signing up beforehand, please call Kati Lewantowicz in the Development Department, 203-446-9739, ext. 1327.
•