Every October, the nation observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Every 9 seconds, a woman is battered in the U.S.
The New Britain community came together Wednesday night to honor victims of domestic violence.
“Domestic violence happens more often than most people realize. In the State of Connecticut within the last year, 18 times it ended in murder”, said Barbara Damon, Executive Director of the Prudence Crandall Center. She leads an organization dedicated to reduce domestic violence in the state.
“I am a mom, a businesswoman, a wife, and a domestic abuse survivor”, said Theresa Valentine to a crowd of supporters.
Domestic violence happens to 1 in 4 women, and 1 in 7 men as victims, and 1 in 3 dating teens, according to Damon.
“It’s a very difficult subject. People don’t talk about domestic abuse. Even for as much as we have events and bring awareness, it’s still something that people keep silenced”, Valentine said.
“We’ve got the lights out here and candles, just to let people know there is hope”, Damon added.
Damon added that help available 24 hours a day to domestic abuse victims. If you are in need of help, contact To access the 24-hour hotline, call toll-free 888-774-2900. All services are free and confidential.
