Monroe Vigil to Reflect Upon Domestic Violence Abuse

MONROE, CT — The Center for Family Justice, with the support of community leaders and law enforcement in the six communities it serves, has scheduled a series of seven vigils to mark the observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.

In Monroe, the vigil will be held on Thu., Oct. 11 at 6 p.m. at the Monroe Town Hall.The vigil is appropriate for all ages, and open to the public.

The vigils "will honor those who have been impacted by intimate partner violence; raise awareness and inspire hope that the cycles of violence can be broken," CFJ said in a release.

The vigil will include a solemn reading of the names of the 18 people who lost their lives to domestic violence in Connecticut in 2017 and the 12 who lost their lives so far in 2018.

“This past year has taught us that despite great progress in raising awareness, it is critical to be taking action in our communities to prevent intimate partner violence,” said Debra A. Greenwood, CFJ president and CEO. “The number of domestic violence related homicides reported in our communities this year is a disturbing and unacceptable trend. So, our message this year is focused on taking action. We hope to educate people in the communities we serve on things they can do to help victims and survivors life safe, healthy lives free of trauma and abuse.”

Greenwood stressed that of particular concern this year is the number of domestic violence homicides which have taken place in the last two years in homes where children were present. Five of the 30 homicides which took place in Connecticut the six communities CFJ serves.

Greenwood noted the vigils also serve the purpose of allowing victims to know that at CFJ there is a safe place, close to home, where they can receive free and comprehensive services. These services include free
counseling and emergency shelter.

“Every year, I hear a story at a vigil from someone in attendance who feels compelled to come forward with their experiences with domestic violence because of the support they feel at our vigils,” Greenwood said. “That tells me how important it us for us to gather together to hold these events.”