By: Yemarah Dallas
October serves as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and this past October, University of Bridgeport (UB) and the Bridgeport Police Department (BPD) hosted a Domestic Violence Symposium to discuss resources available to support victims of domestic abuse in our own community.
At the outset of the symposium, President Danielle Wilken remarked that this conference was the first of many that will demonstrate a growing and transformational relationship with the BPD. The goal of the night was to highlight how domestic violence can happen in any community; it’s an issue that crosses all social boundaries and impacts people from every demographic.
This critical discussion on domestic violence began with Debra Greenbook, president of the Center for Family Justice, who spoke about her dedication to working with families impacted by domestic violence. In her years of work with local communities, Greenbook has learned that one of the best ways to serve the community is to connect with the local youth. Founded in 1895 as the Young Women’s Christian Association of Bridgeport, what eventually become the Center for Family Justice has shaped our understanding of domestic violence advocacy as we know it. All services the center offers are free and confidential, ensuring those in need can seek help and safety. These services include child-adult advocacy, support groups for Spanish-speaking individuals, a safe house, and much more for those affected by domestic violence.
As the symposium continued, domestic violence advocates explained to the audience the signs of an abusive relationship. Experts gave examples of how abuse may manifest, describing isolation, gaslighting, and the bystander effect as symptoms of domestic violence.
During the interactive portion of the evening, UB students, faculty, staff, and local community members raised a crucial question about the inclusivity of the resources for Spanish-speaking individuals with different dialects. This question sparked a new direction in the conversation, focusing on how to ensure that these resources are accessible and effective for everyone.
In all, the key takeaway from the Domestic Violence Symposium was knowing that no one is truly alone. Understanding the resources available in our community can save lives.
About the writer:
Since the age of twelve, Yemarah Dallas has been writing personal narratives, poems, and stories. She is also passionate about books, fashion, movies, and creativity. She is currently a student at University of Bridgeport pursuing a bachelor’s in English and Professional Writing.