The Center for Family Justice’s annual fundraiser benefits those who are impacted by domestic violence, child abuse and sexual abuse. It will be held at The Waterview in Monroe on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at 12 p.m.

 

Bridgeport, CT—The Center for Family Justice will welcome artist and survivor Chanel Miller, who is also a New York Times bestselling author, as the keynote speaker for the agency’s 26th Speaking of Women event on Wed., Sept. 6.

Chanel’s case gained national attention after she was sexually assaulted by a Stanford University swimmer. Her book – Know My Name – chronicles her experiences in the wake of her assault as she processed the trauma.

At first, Miller was only identified as Emily Doe, but she later decided to come forward to tell her story after her attacker received only six months in county jail despite the physical evidence and witness accounts.

Chanel’s victim impact statement was posted on Buzzfeed where it was viewed by 11 million people within just four days and would later inspire changes to California law, which now requires a mandatory three-year minimum prison sentence in such cases.

“Chanel’s ability to put into words what she and so many others go through after an assault – the isolation and the shame – is heartbreaking but also so inspirational,” said Debra Greenwood, CFJ’s President and CEO. “She is a testament to the philosophy that a happy life is possible after experiencing this kind of trauma. She lets people know they are not alone.”

Presented by M&T Bank, Speaking of Women will also feature Star 99.9’s Anna Zap, of The Anna and Raven Show, as master of ceremonies, a silent auction and more. VIP tickets include a reception that starts at 11:30 a.m. with the main program starting at noon.

Tickets to the event are available at bit.ly/cfjsow2023. For more information, call CFJ at (203) 334-6154.

The Center for Family Justice’s services include the operation of 24-hour crisis hotline, an emergency safe house for survivors of domestic violence as well as comprehensive supportive services for those seeking to rebuild their lives after trauma. These services include safety planning, support groups and self-sufficiency programs.

The towns CFJ serves include Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford, and Trumbull.

Camp HOPE America-Bridgeport is another program that CFJ offers for youth ages 7-17 impacted by the trauma of domestic or sexual violence.

The  Tri-chairs of Speaking of Women 2023 are CFJ Board Vice Chair Sofia De Carvalho, Patti Masarek and CFJ Board Member Sarah Cwikla Mastropole.

 

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About Center for Family Justice

The mission of The Center for Family Justice is to break the cycle of domestic, sexual, and child abuse and violence by providing services that create hope, restore lives and drive social change through education and community collaboration.

Our vision is to end domestic and sexual abuse and violence in our communities.

We believe that:

  • Everyone should be treated with dignity and respect.
  • Collaboration with our clients, partners and communities is vital to achieve individualized choice, success and empowerment.
  • Trust is essential for our work in building self-sufficient survivors.
  • Compassion and hope allow people to thrive and feel safe.
  • Community education, awareness and outreach are essential to drive and maintain social change and justice.

 

For more information about The Center for Family Justice, visit

www.centerforfamilyjustice.org or call (203)334-6154. CFJ is located at 753 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeport, CT and serves the towns of Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford, and Trumbull.

 

24/7 Hotline Numbers:

 

  • Domestic violence (203) 384-9559
  • Sexual abuse (203) 333-2233
  • Spanish (203) 568-8332