NEW HAVEN (WTIC News) -- A domestic violence survivor from Milford encouraged victims to speak out and seek support. She spoke as survivors, victims’ advocates, first responders and elected officials marked the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month by gathering to drop flowers in the water off Long Wharf in memory of 23 victims killed in Connecticut last year.
They shared the message, “Hope Can’t Wait,” saying that victims need services quickly.
The woman, who didn’t provide her name, told the group that she endured abuse that gradually intensified over the course of a recent four-year relationship. She eventually suffered broken bones in her face and finally got help as she feared her family would someday find her body.
“He did not take my voice, as I am standing in front of you today. He did not take my strength… and most importantly, he did not take me from myself. I didn’t lose me, although I was so close to doing so.”
Victims were encouraged to reach out for help, and those with knowledge of domestic violence incidents were encouraged to support those victims and help them report the crimes.
“Please validate what they’re saying and please tell them that that’s not okay and please speak up for them,” said Meghan Scanlon, President and CEO of the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
Domestic violence victims and those reporting incidents can call or text CT Safe Connect at (888) 774-2900 or visit ctsafeconnect.org.
The 2024 Cornell University gang rape and its aftermath were presented as examples of the need for observers to take action.
“There were 57 men on that (text) chain,” said Scanlon. “Not one of them said that that was wrong. Not one. And that is not okay.”
Scanlon warned that federal funding for victim support has been cut, and the senior members of the state’s congressional delegation were here to promise they’ll do what they can to reverse that.
In January, the House overwhelmingly passed a bill to stabilize funding for the federal Crime Victims Fund, but Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT3) says it’s being held up in the Senate Judiciary Committee:
“It is now in the United States Senate, and we have one senator from Iowa, Sen. (Chuck) Grassley who is holding it up.”
Grassley has said he’s actually defending the Crime Victims Fund by urging the Justice Department to collect $10 billion in outstanding criminal fines and penalties.
“When we talk about funding, it’s not just money,” said Scanlon. “It’s people’s lives, it’s their emotional safety. It’s their physical safety. It’s incredibly vital. We can’t lose that funding. We cannot lose family violence victim advocates.”
