On October 9th the community will come together in a vigil to mark National Domestic Violence Awareness Month sponsored by The Center for Family Justice and The Bridgeport Police Department. Since 1989, in October, we collectively mourn the lives lost and celebrate the lives healed. Domestic violence is prevalent in every community, and affects all people regardless of age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality. The Center for Family Justice brings together members of the community, survivors and their family members, law enforcement, policymakers and those who serve as advocates and educators. At the Vigil we will Use our Voices to remember, to sing and remind others that violence and sexual assault are not acceptable.
But October cannot be the only time we use our voices to shine a light on this silent epidemic.
Millions of Americans live in fear within their own homes. Domestic violence incidents affect every person within a home and can have long-lasting negative effects on children’s mental and physical health. Domestic violence can result in physical injury, psychological trauma, and even death. Nearly 1 in 2 women in the U.S. will face physical violence at some point in their lives. Every minute 32 people experience intimate partner violence in our country.
The need for crisis intervention services for victims grows but the funding through the Victims of Crimes Act, (VOCA), has dwindled from a high in Connecticut of $36 million in 2018 to an anticipated $9 million in 2025, which is a 75% reduction.
Victims of Crimes Act funds the statewide hotline, court advocates, and staff who connect survivors to a network of resources to address both the immediate and long-term needs of the individual and their children. Child Advocates, funded through VOCA, help victims to navigate the criminal justice system and family court.
I am using my voice to ask policymakers, at both the federal and state levels, to prioritize funding for crisis services. Please use your voice to speak up against violence and abuse you may witness. Please also use your voice by voting for policymakers who will support increased funding for Victims of Crime.
—Debra A. Greenwood is the President & CEO of The Center for Family Justice which serves victims of domestic and sexual violence and child abuse in the communities of Bridgeport. Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford, and Trumbull.
If you or someone you know needs help, call our 24/7 crisis hotlines:
Domestic Violence: (203) 384-9559
Sexual Assault: (203) 333-2233
Our language line can assist victims in more than 40 languages.
