The Prudence Crandall Center will hold its annual “Silent No More” candlelight vigil Oct. 9 at 6:30 p.m.
Podcast: Advocates are prepared for an increase in domestic violence incidents this holiday season
Chloe Wynne, Catherine Shen; NPR’s Where We Live; Dec. 9, 2024
The holiday season can bring financial stress, more time at home, and pressure to spend time with family. According to advocates, these conditions place survivors of domestic violence at high risk.
This hour, we talk to advocates about how they are meeting the growing need for domestic violence services across the state and why the expiration of American Rescue Plan funds could make their work more difficult.
And later, we address questions surrounding reaching out to domestic violence crisis centers if you’re undocumented or not ready to involve law enforcement.
Listen to the full podcast here.
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Op-Ed: For victims of intimate partner violence, holidays are not so fun
Doris Maldonado Mendez | Opinion Contributor; CT Mirror; Dec. 2, 2024
With the election behind us, the holidays are now upon us and children dream of Magi bearing gifts. But, for many in Connecticut, checking that list twice means something different. It means prepping a “to-go” bag, making a reservation – with preservation and survival in mind.
For them, the victims of intimate partner violence, it’s the most dangerous time of the year.
Over 30,000 of our neighbors in Connecticut simply hope to remain unseen, unheard and safe from violence this holiday season. Studies have shown that abusers are more likely to murder their partners and others in the wake of personal crises, lost jobs or financial setbacks. People with disabilities are five times more likely to experience IPV, making up a third of its victims, according to the Government Accountability Office.
As a single parent of children with developmental disabilities, a Latina born with disabilities and as a former domestic violence crisis counselor who survived domestic abuse, I’ve seen the socioeconomic challenges of stability, safety, access and inclusion, couch surfing and a list longer than most wish lists any Santa would fathom – the trauma remains stitched in the depths of my soul.
Survivors are forced to adapt while attempting to assimilate holiday cheer, loving thy neighbor, civic duties, being good for goodness sake and praying daily for more than just one Silent Night.
The need to assist survivors provided me with enough bravery and solace to become a bilingual voice for peers without a choice. A year after relocating to Connecticut, I became a volunteer crisis counselor at the Prudence Crandall Center for Domestic Violence. PCC provided training and opportunity to directly serve and advocate for civil rights while directly supporting and ensuring victims’ rights.
I worked with court staff, agencies, school systems, housing, health and faith-based services to ensure wrap-around safety and opportunity in a linguistically accessible way. I learned that there are actually fewer reported incidents of IPV around the holidays because of increased safety concerns when victims are in greater contact with their perpetrator.
It was when I became a bilingual court advocate, serving Latiné victims, that I realized it wasn’t necessarily the holidays that stopped people from reporting, but rather the cultural behavioral trauma, dread of mortality and self sacrifice because of the perceived best interest of the child. Intimate partner violence remains a systemic failure of protection laced with anticipatory grief for those that fail to appear before the court when informed that they would have to relive the violence, face their abuser and prove their abuse beyond a reasonable doubt.
There is a notable difference in disability-related intimate partner violence. People with disabilities who require the support of a caregiver worry that they will be moved from their home into institutions if they report abuse, and those with cognitive disabilities are more likely to endure abuse. Having disabilities increases our probability of higher lifetime prevalence in experiencing intimate partner abuse than people without disabilities. We experience violent crime at twice the rate of people without disabilities and are three times more likely to be sexually assaulted than people without disabilities.
A survey conducted by the Spectrum Institute Disability and Abuse Project found that 70% of respondents with disabilities experienced some form of abuse by an intimate partner, family member, caregiver, acquaintance or stranger. Of those, more than 87% experienced verbal or emotional abuse, 50% experienced physical abuse, 41% experienced sexual abuse, 37% experienced neglect, 31% experienced financial abuse and 37% reported the abuse to law enforcement. Alleged perpetrators were arrested in only 10% of abuse cases reported to law enforcement.
Imagine having life-saving medication withheld, forced isolation and unwanted sexual contact, withheld physical accommodations or destroying assistive devices, financial exploitation, verbal and psychological abuse, threats of public humiliation and intimidation, physical violence, or physically harming a service animal.
A study by the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey reported that 27% of Hispanic/Latina women have experienced domestic or sexual violence at least once in our lifetime. Latinas with disabilities have a higher lifetime prevalence of experiencing abuse than people without disabilities. We experience violent crime at twice the rate of people without disabilities. We are three times more likely to be sexually assaulted than people without disabilities.
Linguistic barriers, cultural gender norms, lack of confidence, feelings of guilt, threat, shame and limited availability of formal support have been just a few of the many factors resulting in these disparities. The disadvantage that members of the Hispanic/Latine community face is twofold: an institutional system that promises inclusion but does not provide linguistic access, and exclusion from mechanisms of government aid during these unprecedented times.
Latiné survivors experience internalized stigma about negative stereotypes and identities. We experience daily anticipated stigma, concerned with what others might say or think and what would happen as a result if others found out about the abuse. Victim shaming, questioning our lived experience, fear, provocation, not prioritizing family’s reputation or attention seeking are often reactions when refuge is sought.
Intimate partner violence survivors share the human right to liberty, safety, work, worship, fresh air and holiday celebrations, all the while pursuing happiness with disabilities.
With the hustle and bustle of the holidays, avoidance, indifference and anticipation, oftentimes the abuse is invisible to the spectator. Only a keen eye, with lived experience, can validate and know the tell-tale signs of palpable fear, seized trauma and suffocating shame, because we honor them as familiar and sacred. You are not alone. In the glimpses of light in shadows, we pray collectively.
Reach out for safety, especially with little ones to protect. If you need to flee, grab your “to-go bag” with important documents, medication, treatments and devices. There is shelter and support.
If you need to seek help:
Interval House, founded in 1977, is the largest agency in the state dedicated to ending domestic violence. It offers immediate and compassionate support to about 6,500 victims of domestic violence per year in 24 cities and towns—all at no charge. Free and confidential services 24-hour Hotline: 860-838-8467, Emergency Safe House, Safety planning and counseling, Support groups, Court advocacy, Youth programming & Community education and outreach. Spanish information available.
Prudence Crandall Center was the first domestic violence program in our state and is the only program serving the communities of Berlin, Bristol, Burlington, Kensington, New Britain, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington, and Terryville, with 28 units of supportive housing open to survivors from throughout the state. Services include a 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter, housing placement services, court advocacy, counseling, and community education and prevention services. For additional information about Prudence Crandall Center or to donate, please visit www.prudencecrandall.org. To access the 24-hour hotline, call or text 888-774-2900. All services are free and confidential.
Doris Maldonado Mendez is a member of the Connecticut Mirror’s Community Editorial Board. All of the Community Editorial Board’s works are available here. The members’ opinions are theirs alone and not those of Connecticut News Project, Inc. or The Connecticut Mirror, which take no institutional positions on public policy.
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Prudence Crandall Center calls for support on Giving Tuesday
Claudia Hilario; New Britain Herald; Nov. 29, 2024
NEW BRITAIN — New Britain’s Prudence Crandall Center, a lifeline for individuals escaping domestic violence, is asking the community to support its programs during Giving Tuesday.
Next week, this global day of generosity presents a unique opportunity for donors to double their impact through a special matching initiative. From now until midnight on December 3, all online donations up to $10,000 will be matched, thanks to a generous anonymous donor and Beacon Prescriptions New Britain.
Every dollar contributed will go twice as far in helping PCC continue its life-saving work. The center, at 594 Burritt St., provides services to those in need, including court advocacy, counseling and crisis care. These services are more crucial than ever as the center faces potential funding challenges in the coming year due to cuts in government support, the organization said.
These essential resources are necessary for many vulnerable individuals to gain access to the help they need to rebuild their lives. The center shared a powerful message from one of its beneficiaries: “Today, I’ve reclaimed my life. I’m not afraid anymore. I’m comfortable in my home for the first time in years! Your support of PCC has given me my voice back, made us safe, and given us hope. Thank you all!”
Prudence Crandall Center, named after the need to pioneering educator and activist, has been a source of hope in the community for decades. It offers shelter, support and advocacy to survivors of domestic violence. Their work extends beyond immediate crisis care, helping individuals and families find stability and independence. Contributions can be made directly on the center’s website: prudencecrandall.org
Community notes: ‘Silent No More’ vigil to honor the lives lost to domestic violence
Staff Reports; Record-Journal Southington/Plainville Community News; Oct. 4, 2024
The event honors the lives lost to domestic violence in Connecticut over the past year and serves as a call to action for the community to renew its commitment to ending domestic violence.
Speakers include Dr. William Petit of the Petit Family Foundation, Bristol Mayor Jeffrey Caggiano, and Court Advocate Daniela Bellows. Music will be provided by New Britain Symphony Orchestra violinist Sayumi Harb.
Light refreshments will be served at 6 p.m.
The center is the only domestic violence program serving Berlin, Bristol, Burlington, Kensington, New Britain, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington, and Terryville.
Berlin’s Carlson spreading awareness for domestic violence
Rob Gullo; New Britain Herald; Oct. 4, 2024
BERLIN — Charley Carlson, a Berlin senior who is an outside hitter and captain of the girls volleyball team, is getting involved with her surrounding community and showing qualities of a leader.
The star volleyball player is doing a project in conjunction with the Prudence Crandall Center, a domestic abuse treatment center in New Britain. She is looking to help raise awareness of domestic violence. During Berlin’s Monday match (Oct. 7) against Lewis Mills, she will be collecting items that will be donated to the center.
Items donated to the cause include new socks (all sizes), new underwear (all sizes), twin size pillow sheets, new pillows, new towels, laundry detergent, new cleaning supplies, toilet paper, paper towels, baby wipes, new pajamas (all sizes), diapers, children’s clothing (new), and winter apparel (new.)
Carlson got the idea to collect donations from a family friend who volunteers with the shelter. She said that she was driven to help out people affected by domestic violence because she cares a lot about her community. She’s looking to make a difference early on in her life for people who have gone through hardships.
“I care a lot about my community and women’s empowerment,” Carlson said. “Although I do not have a personal connection with domestic violence within my family, I want to make a difference for those who experience it.”
Berlin volleyball coach Jim Bagley thinks it’s great that Carlson is getting involved with her local community at a young age and hopes some of his younger players will do similar acts.
“It’s great to see her getting involved,” said Bagley. “Any time you get a student-athlete involved like that, it increases their understanding of the world around them. She also is a great role model for all the younger kids in the program. They see her doing things for the community and maybe some of them get involved as well.”
Following Monday’s match against Lewis Mills, Carlson will start to bring the items to the Prudence Crandall Center the same week.
Connecticut Families: Berlin High Schooler organizes volleyball game for domestic violence awareness
Sarah Cody; WTNH News 8; Oct. 3, 2024
BERLIN, Conn. (WTNH) — “My Capstone actually came from my mom’s idea,” said Charley Carlson.
Women’s sports are important to this 17-year-old as are women’s rights and her senior project at Berlin High School incorporates both of these passions.
“I want to help the community in any way I can and I feel like this is a good way to do so,” explained Carlson, a player on the school’s varsity volleyball team.
Carlson is raising awareness of domestic violence, working with the Prudence Crandall Center in New Britain which holds a Silent No More candlelight vigil every October to erase stigma around this difficult issue.
Watch the full Connecticut Families segment here.
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‘Shop For a Cause’ craft fair to benefit Prudence Crandall Center
Claudia Hilario; New Britain Herald; Oct. 2, 2024
BERLIN — More than business owners, Rosalee Frank and Courtney Johnson shared personal experiences. Three years ago, both decided to support domestic violence survivors through their vendor and craft fair, Shop For A Cause, held on Friday, benefiting The Prudence Crandall Center (PCC).
“We opened our salon (The Color Platform) with the intention of building up not only our brand but most importantly our community,” Frank told the Herald. “We figured creating this event could achieve three things: promote local business, spread awareness of domestic violence in addition to providing resources, and most importantly, raise monetary and physical donations for PCC.”
For the full story, read the print or e-edition of the New Britain Herald.
Charity mini-golf event at Hidden Valley
Claudia Hilario; New Britain Herald; Sep. 10, 2024
NEW BRITAIN — The local nonprofit organization Prudence Crandall Center invites community members to its charity mini-golf event Thursday at the Hidden Valley Miniature Golf, 2060 West St. Southington, and is encouraging attendees to register today.
The event, scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m., has a participation fee of $10 per golfer. It will allow participants to show their mini-golf skills and contribute to PCC’s mission and programs.
Read full story in the print or e-edition of The Herald.
Christmas in July: Beacon Prescriptions donates to Prudence Crandall
Claudia Hilario; New Britain Herald; Jul. 27, 2024
NEW BRITAIN — In a warm gesture to his community, Todd DeGroff, owner of Beacon Prescriptions New Britain and registered pharmacist, made a $2,500 donation to support the Prudence Crandall Center. “We couldn’t be more grateful for his support. Financially, he rallies his community to support us every single year,” Carolyn Jasper, chief development officer of Prudence Crandall Center, told the New Britain Herald. “This gift of $2,500 to celebrate Christmas in July is so perfect. I had no idea why I was coming here before today; I was told to wear red, so it was a surprise. He is a tremendous supporter of our Prudence Crandall Center and the families we serve.”
The center reaches 5,000 individuals, adults and children, in New Britain and the surrounding communities yearly, “but about 10,000 through our direct services and our community engagement and outreach offerings.”
This special gift is especially welcome as the agency begins a new fiscal year each July and must raise more than $1 million annually to continue providing essential programs and services to domestic violence survivors and their families. Jasper said the donation will support essential services such as emergency safe shelter, supportive housing, counseling services, support groups, court services for civil and criminal matters, education and outreach programs.
DeGroff presented the surprise contribution to the local domestic violence agency at Beacon’s unique “Christmas in July” event, designed to encourage support for local family-owned businesses, show appreciation for staff, and give back to the local community in a creative way. “I thought it would be great not only to support local businesses but also to show my employees appreciation,” DeGroff said. “I went out and bought gift cards from local restaurants, all family and independent-owned businesses.” The registered pharmacist said each member of his staff had the opportunity to choose a gift card from a hat with a value between $50 and $100. “Those restaurants are independently owned; you can walk, and you can see the owner,” DeGroff said.
DeGroff is a long-standing supporter of local businesses and encourages the community to support them instead of the big store chains where the consumer is treated non-personally. “All independent businesses such as those restaurants and us don’t have millions of dollars and a budget for advertisement. We come to work every day because we are passionate about it,” said DeGroff, who also supports different organizations and events throughout the city.
DeGroff is a long-time Prudence Crandall Center board member, providing dedicated leadership and ongoing critical financial support. In addition to his board service, he is also a member of the organization’s Bright Futures Giving Society. His family participates annually in their Adopt-A- Family holiday program, and Beacon Prescriptions New Britain is a continuing sponsor of Prudence Crandall’s fundraising efforts.
“It is the generosity of individuals, businesses and community organizations like Todd and Beacon Prescriptions New Britain that help us to keep the lights on and the doors open each year,” Jasper said. “Each gift is deeply appreciated and makes Prudence Crandall’s impact possible.” DeGroff and Beacon Prescriptions New Britain’s generosity and partnership in Prudence Crandall’s work continue to inspire others and make a lasting impact for survivors and families throughout central Connecticut.
Call Carolyn Jasper at 860-259-3817 to discuss opportunities to support or partner in Prudence Crandall Center.
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Art Exhibit Radiates Hope for Sexual and Domestic Violence Survivors
Kaily Martinez; we-ha.com; Jul. 19, 2024
The West Hartford Art League Club House Gallery held an opening reception on Thursday, July 18, for ‘The Stories of Bravery, Healing and Hope: Survivors Art Exhibition’ produced by Amanda Mendoza.
Art can connect souls in a more profound way than communication can. From July 19 through Aug. 4 at the West Hartford Art League Club House Gallery, visitors will see and feel the “Stories of Bravery, Healing and Hope: Survivors Art Exhibition” produced by artist Amanda Mendoza. At the opening reception on Thursday, July 18, the art gallery became crowded with loved ones and visitors within minutes. The support and admiration for the artists and their work could not only be seen, but it was deeply felt.
Through various mediums, such as films, photographs, poems, or oil on canvas, each artist shares their stories of how they faced sexual violence or domestic violence but are on their healing journey. Next to each art piece is a title card that presents the artist, the title and story behind each piece and details on how art has contributed to them and their healing, inspiring hope and optimism. The exhibit also featured two tables for the Prudence Crandall Center and YWCA New Britain Sexual Assault Crisis Service, where advocates provided resources and support.
Read the full story here.
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