BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — Domestic violence is on the rise across the country, including in Connecticut where it has taken multiple lives this year.
The latest incident in the state took place Wednesday at 10 a.m. in which Bridgeport police said a man "brutally assaulted" two children and their mother inside a city apartment on Main Street.
Concerned individuals at the apartment alerted arriving officers to a man walking away from the area, according to police.
Police detained the man, identified as Abdulrahim Sulaiman, 33, of Bridgeport, as they entered the apartment building and found two children, ages six and four, along with their mother with life-threatening injuries as a result of "blunt force trauma."
The six-year-old remains in critical condition Wednesday evening.
Investigators learned that Sulaiman attacked the three individuals in a domestic assault, and that all involved knew each other.
Police arrested Sulaiman, who is facing charges of attempted murder on three counts, assault in the first degree on three counts, risk of injury to a child on two counts and criminal possession of a firearm (convicted felon).
Police are holding Sulaiman without bond, and he is expected to appear at Bridgeport Superior Court on Sept. 26.
Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact the case officer, Det. Jeff Holtz, at 203-581-5243 or call the tips line at 203-576-TIPS.
"The Bridgeport Police Department's thoughts and prayers are with this young family," police said.
In just the past month alone, Connecticut has also seen many other incidents police classified as domestic violence.
In Hartford, Jayzon Gunter, 18, is facing charges after he allegedly shot his 16-year-old girlfriend in the head on Sept. 17.
On Sept. 12 in Ansonia, a murder-suicide took place where police said a man killed his ex-wife while their children were home.
On Sept. 9 in Bridgeport, a woman was killed in the street when police said her baby's father shot her before taking his own life in a Stratford cemetery.
On Aug. 22 in East Hartford, a murder-suicide happened where a man and a woman were pronounced dead, according to police.
Mary-Jane Foster, president and CEO of Interval House in Hartford, says that with the increase in incidents comes an increase in the extremeness.
"We, since COVID, have seen an increase of over 30%, Foster said. "We have also seen an increase in the intensity of violence, we have seen an increase in the violation of protective orders, which is a real indication of lack of respect for the rule of law, which tells you how dangerous these situations can be."
Often times before the situation turns deadly, there are signs. Domestic violence victims can call a hotline like the Interval House hotline.
"People think you only call a hotline in crisis, but a majority of the 5,000 calls that come in every year, over 50% are looking for information," Foster said.
On those calls, they will create a safety plan with victims to help them leave. For those with family members or friends in a difficult situation, Foster said to stay in touch.
"Abusers seek to control and isolate victims and they think they are worthless and have no place to turn, so if you stay in touch they know there is somewhere they can reach out to," Foster said.
According to Foster, the increase in incidents has become overwhelming to her staff. She said she has 31 staff members caring for 6,500 victims, so they are doubling down on outreach and education to stop the violence before it begins.
Alexa Farrell is a multimedia journalist for FOX61 News. She can be reached at AFarrell@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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