Hartford Nonprofit Takes Aim At Scourge Of Domestic Violence

Interval House

HARTFORD, CT — Hartford-based Interval House — Connecticut’s largest domestic violence agency—is observing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

It is doing so through its annual “Purple with a Purpose” campaign.

This year’s initiative addresses the unsustainable rise in cases since the pandemic and acknowledges prevention as a practical strategy to combatting intimate partner abuse.

Multiple events are planned, with some already taking place.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 15.5 million
children are exposed to domestic violence in the United States every year.

Two out of three of those young witnesses will repeat that behavior in their own adult relationships.

With 72 percent of 13- and 14-year-olds “dating” and women between the ages of 18 and 24 most likely to experience domestic violence, a coordinated effort to reach youths can change their future.

“The evidence is clear,” said Mary-Jane Foster, president and chief executive officer of Interval House.

“It is absolutely critical that we reach kids when they are young and forming their ideas about love and relationships in order to break the intergenerational cycle of abuse.”

In 2022, Interval House launched “Breaking the Cycle”—a program aimed at providing preventive
education in schools and youth-centered organizations.

The outreach team offers in-person instruction for kids as well as toolkits for educators, mentors, coaches, and parents.

Presentations and materials focus on topics like healthy relationships, respect and boundaries, and self-love.

Partnerships with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford, Camp Courant, and the YWCA Hartford
Region offer deeper and regular connections with local kids and teens.

“We are proud of the work our team is doing with youth in the region,” said Foster. “We are already hearing of young people who have made smart decisions to end unhealthy dating relationships as a result. Prevention will turn the tide—it will change these young lives for the better.”

The following events are scheduled:

• "Celebrating Our Mountain Queen" Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 5:30 p.m. Hartford Public Library, 500 Main St., Hartford.

Join us for a heartwarming evening remembering victims and honoring survivors as we celebrate our former client Lhakpa Sherpa.

Sherpa holds the world record for the most summits of Mt. Everest by a woman and worked with Interval House for over a decade to keep her family safe from her late, abusive husband.

The 5:30 p.m. ceremony and reception will be followed by a screening of the 2024
Netflix documentary “Mountain Queen,” which follows the life and accomplishments of our
honoree.

Presented in partnership with Hartford Public Library. Free and no registration required.

• "Breakfast with Champions" Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 8 a.m.; The Riverview; 10 Winslow Place, Weatogue (Simsbury).

Interval House’s annual breakfast will acknowledge the importance of education in preventing
domestic violence.

A local school administrator will offer insights into Interval House’s educational offerings, and a survivor of teen dating violence will speak.

Breakfast with Champions is free to attend. A gift of personal significance is requested during the program to support life-saving services for victims of domestic violence.

Advanced registration is required at www.intervalhousect.org/dvam to reserve a seat or host a table of 10. Doors open for registration at 7:30 a.m.; breakfast is served at 8 a.m.; the program concludes by 9:30 a.m.

For more information on Interval House, click on this link.