Torrington's Susan B. Anthony Project honors victims of domestic violence

The Register Citizen - 10/7/2021

Oct. 8—TORRINGTON — Their names were read aloud.

The names of people who were allegedly killed by a family member, spouse or partner during the last year were read, one by one, as guests at the Susan B. Anthony Project's annual vigil honoring survivors and victims of domestic violence came to the podium.

After the readings, each person lit a candle until the entire group stood quietly as others were invited to "speak out" and tell their story of survival. Men and women gathered late Wednesday for the vigil.

The event was held at Coe Memorial Park, where members of Susan B. Anthony Project distributed information on its programs. A collection of 47 little pairs of children's shoes were displayed on the steps of the civic center, representing the 47 children who stayed in the agency's shelter during the last year.

"The shoes are a way for people to recognize what domestic violence does to a family," said Jeanne Fusco, executive director.

The first speaker shared their experience with their spouse, who they are divorcing, and described physical abuse. The speaker described the challenges of enforcing restraining orders, working with the court system to be treated fairly, and the emotional toll it takes . The second speaker talked of a friend's experience, and said, "not everyone gets a second chance."

According to SBAP, Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the "Day of Unity," first celebrated in October 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The goal was threefold: to mourn victims of domestic violence, to celebrate survivors of domestic violence, and to connect those who work to end domestic violence. The themes remain the focus of Domestic Violence Awareness Month events. In 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed. That year, the first national toll-free domestic violence hotline was started.

Fusco recognized members of the Torrington Police Department: Officer Robert Simon and Sgt. Brandon Kelly. Kelly is the department's liaison with SBAP and works with other officers, teaching them how to work with victims of domestic violence, to get them the help they need. Simon, who leads the department's community policing team, has been instrumental in connecting with people in need, Fusco said.

Anthony Roldan was honored for his work with SBAP clients, helping them find safe housing. "Navigating the system (for assistance) can be difficult, and Anthony has been instrumental in that process," Fusco said.

Heather Rems Korwin, owner of Sanctuary Power Yoga, was honored for leading yoga classes for the agency's clients, and KidsPlay Children's Museum received a certificate of thanks for opening the building to families, giving children a place to play and parents a little break.

"Just being able to let your kids play and to relax, take a breath, take a minute, can really help," said Eileen Mariott, executive director of KidsPlay. "We're happy to do whatever we can to help."

SBAP's Clothesline Project is now on display at the Harwinton Public Library, Torrington Public Library, and outside the Goulet Building at Northwestern Connecticut Community College in Winsted, featuring T-shirts designed by domestic violence survivors and their supporters, to raise awareness of the pervasive problem of domestic violence in the community.

The agency also will hold a campaign this month, "Kisses for Cops and Hugs for Healthcare," to thank area law enforcement and healthcare workers who are on the frontline of assisting victims, and helping to prevent and end domestic violence. The events are co-sponsored by SBAP Prevention, Education and Outreach sponsor, Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, and the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Founded in 1983, Susan B. Anthony Project promotes safety, healing and growth for survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, and advocates for the autonomy of women and the end of interpersonal violence. SBAP provides 24/7/365 crisis and support services, as well as education and prevention programs, free, to two cities and 18 towns in Northwest Connecticut, including a 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter, transitional living services, court and medical advocacy, individual counseling, and support groups.

For more information about services and programs, visit www.sbaproject.org, or call 860-489-3798. The 24-hour crisis line is 860-482-7133.

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