Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) at Susan B. Anthony Project

The theme for 2023’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 2nd, 2023

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 2, 2023 at 9:00 am.

Annual Candlelight Vigil – Thursday, October 5th, 2023

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.

Our 2023 Candlelight Vigil will be held on Thursday, October 5th, 2023 at 6:00 pm. Please join us at Coe Park in Torrington.

Film Screening – Herself

Join us for a special screening of “Herself” at Coe Memorial Park Civic Center on Thursday, October 19th at 6:00 pm. This event is free and open to the public. Please register in advance to ensure adequate seating for all participants.

Watch the trailer here.

October 19th is also Purple Thursday… wear purple in support of victims and survivors or domestic violence.

Wear your purple on Thursday, October 19th and post yourself wearing purple on your social media accounts to help shine a spotlight on domestic violence in our communities. Tag us in your Purple Thursday pictures on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

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.

No physical tickets required for this screening. For more information, please contact Krissy or Kelsey at 860-489-3798.

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).

candlelightvigil1The 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.

2020 Domestic Violence Awareness Month Virtual Vigil