Monroe Invited to Domestic Violence Vigil to Honor 32 Lives Lost

MONROE, CT– The Center for Family Justice (CFJ) is hosting “An Evening of Hope and Inspiration,” a regional Domestic Violence Awareness Month vigil on Wednesday, October 12, 2022, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater. Monroe residents, who are are served by CFJ's 6-town region, are encouraged to attend this inspiring event. The vigil will include song, Monroe dancers, and messages of hope to commemorate the 32 lives lost to domestic violence in Connecticut last year.

The Center for Family Justice’s staff, law enforcement, dignitaries, survivors, and community leaders from the towns of Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford, and Trumbull will join forces to honor those impacted by domestic violence and inspire a call to action to end the violence and deaths in our communities.

Guests will have the opportunity to listen to inspirational speakers and experience powerful song and dance performances by local community youth groups including The Klein Memorial Auditorium’s Children’s Choir, D'Valda & Sirico Dance and Music Centre, The Dance Workshop of Monroe, and The Alternate Routes acoustic band.

In addition to the domestic violence vigil, The Center is also kicking off a month-long awareness campaign called #Hairdos4Hope with local salons. Supporters are encouraged to go to participating salons to get a purple streak in their hair, and/or donate to The Center during the month of October and then upload a 9-second video using the hashtag #Hairdos4Hope and #9SecondsOfHope. The purpose is to encourage others to do the same. The significance of the 9-second video is to bring attention to the fact that every 9 seconds in the U.S., a woman is assaulted or beaten.

“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,” according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Monroe hairdresser Doris Ritenour, owner of Hair by Doris located at 500 Monroe Turnpike in Monroe, is donating her services because “I want to help. I am a very community-minded person. I want help raise awareness for this very important cause.”

Those who are closer to Trumbull may visit SaSa Salon, located at 10 Broadway in Trumbull, to get a streak or make a donation during the month of October. The owner, Stephanie Siclari is also donating her products and services to help raise awareness for Trumbull residents who are encouraged to seek help from The Center if they are experiencing violence in their home.

For those who do not wish to get the purple streak but still want to support The Center’s mission, donations are being accepted by texting FOH23 to 76278 or by donating in person at either location.

Another initiative The Center is participating in is the Domestic Violence Awareness Month Day of Giving on Wednesday, October 19, 2022. Using the hashtag #Every12KnowsSome1 people can raise funds and awareness for those who can’t speak for themselves.

On Thursday, October 20, 2022, domestic violence centers and advocates across the country will wear purple on Purple Thursday, a national day of action, to raise awareness about domestic violence and show their commitment to promoting healthy relationships.

Last year, CFJ offered critical, lifesaving services to more than 5,500 people in the six communities they serve in their catchment area. Debra A. Greenwood, CEO and President of CFJ noted that The Center has seen a staggering 32 percent increase in demand for service in comparison with last year in what she is calling “the second pandemic.” The Center has also served thousands more through their online training institute and prevention education programs. Because of the increased demand for CFJ services, the Empowerhouse Project is a new, expanded safe house for victims and their families to receive life-changing services, all under one roof. Current plans call for opening Empower House in the summer of 2023.

In addition to being an evening of remembrance, the domestic violence vigil on October 12th is an opportunity to highlight the determination CFJ has as an organization to end domestic violence and create a brighter future for anyone impacted by the trauma of abuse.

“Every year, it’s important for us to gather to honor and remember the individuals we have lost as a result of domestic violence, particularly those right here in the communities we serve,” said Greenwood. “While we mourn these lives together, we know this month is an important time to reflect on what we can do as individuals and communities to end violence and abuse.”

The Center for Family Justice invites all who are interested in supporting victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse to gather at the Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater on Wednesday, Oct. 12 at 6 p.m. for this always moving and inspiring vigil. This event is free and open to the public, rain or shine.

For more information about The Center for Family Justice, visit www.centerforfamilyjustice.org or call (203) 334-6154. The Center for Family Justice is located at 753 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT and serves the towns of Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford, and Trumbull.

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About The 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. The Center for Family Justice 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 (888) 568-8332

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