TORRINGTON, Conn. — It was a solemn, yet supportive night at Coe Park in Torrington on Thursday, where victims of domestic violence were remembered and survivors were celebrated.
“Domestic violence is very real and it’s here, and we need to do something about it,” said Kelsey Gavlik, an outreach prevention educator for the Susan B. Anthony Project.
The annual candlelight vigil hosted by the Susan B. Anthony Project serves both as a space to memorialize victims and to shed light on work being done to prevent deadly domestic violence incidents.
Tristan Hogan of Burlington attended the vigil in honor of his friend, Sophie, who was allegedly killed by her ex-boyfriend.
“There was an incident in Burlington 2023, a close friend lost her life to her boyfriend. Domestic violence,” said Hogan. “I think it was a great thing doing this. I think we should remember her in many ways. She was a great person. She shouldn’t just be forgotten."
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Gavlik said part of how they keep the memory of those victims alive is working to prevent anymore victims in the future.
“Because if we can reach people how to resolve their conflicts, how to stop bullying, how to set healthy boundaries, how to accept and love other people despite whatever diversity they may have, then we’re going to be a much safer community overall,” said Gavlik.
Here in Connecticut, 26 people lost their lives due to domestic violence incidents in 2023.
“It’s not something that happens just here or just there or not in our community. It’s in your community, whether you realize it or not,” said Gavlik.
If you or someone you know is experiencing violence from an intimate partner, there are resources available.
You can visit CTSafeConnect.org or call or text (888) 774-2900. Advocates are available 24/7, and all languages are supported. If you’d like to remain anonymous, you can do so.
More information can be found here.
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Kaelee Collins is a multimedia journalist for FOX61 News. She can be reached at kcollins@fox61.com. Follow her on X, and Instagram.
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