Catherine Zeiner, Executive Director, Women’s Center of Southeastern Connecticut

Since 1989, October is designated as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  This is a national campaign of awareness and support building. Special events and activities throughout Southeastern CT will mourn the victims who died as a result of Domestic Violence, celebrate those who survived, and engage the community to help end the violence.  CT  chose the theme of Teen Dating Violence as its focus for 2009.

With this in mind, the Women’s Center of Southeastern Connecticut is looking forward to releasing the results of our recent Teen Dating Violence Survey.  The survey was conducted through the many schools we work with throughout New London County.  With national statistics a cause for alarm, we wanted to know how our region compared with state and national numbers.  The results will be of interest to all parents of teens and concerned citizens.  Watch the local media for more information.

We will then put on our party hats for our Carnival FUN-raiser weekend. On Saturday, October 3rd, the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, Waterford, will play host to a carnival-themed gala event featuring fun and games, prizes, gourmet food, silent auction and more. The next day, Sunday, October 4th, the same site will be converted to welcome the community for a day of healthy family fun at our seaside family carnival.  Both days will feature carnival games and rides, including a ferris wheel, flying swings and a super slide. 

Throughout the month, both the Otis Library, Norwich, and the New London Public Library will display The Clothesline Project. The Clothesline Project gives voice to victims of domestic violence through a display of shirts created by those affected by violence, decorated to express their emotions and experiences.

Many of our supporters will be hosting their own events this month.  These include: Oktoberfest  at Beechwood Rehabilitation, New London, on October 22; Inspiration II, a performance of dance and music at Waterford High School sponsored by the Natalie Anderson Children’s Fund on October 24, and Coldwell Banker Cares’ Bowl-a-ween Bash in Essex on October 27.  In addition, there will be statewide Walk in Our Footsteps events, displaying children’s shoes as a visual reminder of the hundreds of children served last year in CT’s 18 domestic violence shelters.

For more information on any of the above activities or to learn more about the services, volunteer opportunities, and other efforts of the Women’s Center to address domestic violence and sexual assault and to create a violent-free society, visit www.womenscenterofsect.org, call 860.447.0366 x203, or e-mail epalzere-rae@womenscenterofsect.org.

Sincerely,
Catherine Zeiner
Executive Director
Women’s Center of Southeastern Connecticut

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