Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) at Susan B. Anthony Project
The theme for 2022’s DVAM is “Every 1 Knows Some 1”. In fact, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have experienced interpersonal violence in their lifetime.
The following activities are intended to validate, inform, and educate our community about the incidence and impact of domestic violence on our cities and towns. We welcome and encourage community participation.
Commemorative Wreath Hanging – Monday, October 3rd, 2022
Each year, SBAP and the City of Torrington hang a commemorative wreath in the main lobby of Torrington City Hall to mark the beginning of DVAM in honor of victims and survivors of domestic violence. The wreath remains at City Hall throughout the month of October.
Torrington Mayor Elinor Carbone will read the annual proclamation and hang this year’s commemorative wreath in City Hall on Monday, October 3, 2022 at 10:00 am.
Annual Candlelight Vigil – Wednesday, October 12th, 2022
Each October, Susan B. Anthony Project hosts our annual Candlelight Vigil in Coe Park in Torrington to remember victims and celebrate survivors of domestic violence.
The vigil also serves as an opportunity to honor community members who have collaborated and supported our work throughout the year.
Please note our vigil rescheduled for Wednesday, October 12th at 6:00 pm at Coe Memorial Park has been CANCELLED.
While we had hoped to reschedule our annual Domestic Violence vigil after its postponement last week, Susan B. Anthony Project’s annual Domestic Violence Vigil has been cancelled. If you wish to connect with an advocate related to services, please call our 24-7-365 hotline at 860-482-7133. We continue to support and honor all survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
SBAP Movie Series – Monday, October 17th, 2022
Join us for the first in a new series of screenings in SBAP’s Movie Series, “A Cry for Help – The Tracey Thurman Story”, on Monday, October 17th at 6:00 pm at the Bantam Cinema & Arts Center.
All screenings are free and open to the public. Please register to ensure adequate seating for all attendees.
If you have questions, please email Gina or call 860-489-3798.
Purple Thursday – October 20th, 2022
Wear your purple on Thursday, October 20th, and then flood your social media with the images, to help shine a spotlight on domestic violence in our communities.
These images help encourage important conversations about the devastating impact of domestic violence and lets victims and survivors know that they are seen, heard, and supported.
Awareness and prevention are critical in our effort to break the cycle of violence today and into the future.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month History
Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) evolved from the “Day of Unity”, first celebrated in October 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV).
The goal was threefold:
- to mourn victims of domestic violence
- to celebrate survivors of domestic violence
- to connect those who work to end domestic violence.
These themes remain the focus of Domestic Violence Awareness Month events to this day.
In 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed. That same year marks the launch of the first national toll-free domestic violence hotline.