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HARTFORD – Interval House—Connecticut’s largest domestic violence agency—is set to observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month through its “Purple with a Purpose” campaign. A variety of in-person events and online activities are planned. All are aimed at increasing awareness and garnering financial support for Interval House’s confidential and compassionate services for victims of abuse.

Domestic violence impacts individuals in every community regardless of age, economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality. One in four women and one in seven men will experience severe physical violence at the hand of an intimate partner in their lives. Children who witness abuse in the home not only are at serious risk for physical and psychological trauma, but are likely to perpetuate the cycle of abuse as adults—boys who see their mothers being abused are 10 times more likely to become abusers themselves; girls who witness the same are six times as likely to become adult victims.

“October is our month to be loud and intentional about who we are and what we do,” said Mary-Jane Foster, Interval House’s President and CEO. “With 6,800 clients last year, bed nights up 32% and hotline calls up 57% since 2020, we cannot be quiet or be still. We must raise awareness in all 24 towns we serve. We need everyone walking the walk and talking the talk with us this month.”

This year’s events include:

Monday, Oct. 3 at 11:30 a.m.
Domestic Violence Awareness Press Conference
Capital Community College; 950 Main St., Hartford
Interval House will kick off Domestic Violence Awareness Month with a press conference hosted by Capital Community College and its Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Center. The event will highlight the issue of domestic violence and the leading role men—who represent 92% of abusers—must take in order to prevent and break the cycle of intimate partner abuse. Speakers include Interval House President and CEO Mary-Jane Foster, United States Senator Richard Blumenthal, Capital Community College CEO Dr. G. Duncan Harris, and other members of Interval House’s Men Make a Difference advocacy group.

Sunday, Oct. 23 at 9 a.m.
Jennifer Farber Dulos Memorial Walk to End Domestic Violence
Dunkin’ Donuts Park; 1214 Main St., Hartford
Honorary Chairs Mayor Luke Bronin and Sara Bronin, along with News 8’s Dennis House, will lead a walk to remember victims and honor survivors. A moment of silence and program will take place, and will be followed by activities and games. The registration fee ($25) provides clients safe options and lifesaving services. Register at www.intervalhousecr.org/dvam.

Thursday, Nov. 3 at 8 a.m.
Breakfast with Champions
The Riverview; 10 Winslow Pl., Weatogue
Interval House’s annual breakfast will honor the agency’s decades-long partnerships with area law enforcement to keep high-risk victims of domestic violence safe. Breakfast with Champions is free to attend; a gift of personal significance is requested during the program to support life-saving services for victims of domestic violence. Advanced registration is required at www.intervalhousect.org/dvam to reserve a seat or host a table of 10. Doors open for registration at 7:30 a.m.; breakfast is served at 8 a.m.; program will conclude by 9:15 a.m.

Purple with a Purpose Social Media Campaign
Those interested in learning more about domestic violence and helping to spread the word may follow Interval House on Facebook and Instagram @intervalhousect during the month of October. Liking and sharing posts will make an impact.

Purple with a Purpose Fundraisers
Supporters are encouraged to create their own Purple with a Purpose virtual fundraiser to help Interval House clients. Those interested in raising money or participating in any of the events may visit https://intervalhousect.org/dvam to register.

Purple with a Purpose Sponsorships
Businesses and individuals who would like to step up as sponsors of this year’s Purple with a Purpose festivities should contact Amanda Delaura at amanda.delaura@intervalhousect.org.

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 About Interval House
Founded in 1977, Interval House is the largest agency in the state of Connecticut dedicated to preventing and breaking the cycle of domestic violence. Through direct and life-saving services for victims in 24 towns and cities both East and West of the Connecticut River, Interval House has made a positive difference in the lives of nearly 250,000 women and children who have experienced psychological and physical abuse at the hand of a domestic or intimate partner. 24-Hour Hotline: (860) 838-8467. To support: www.intervalhousect.org/donate. Follow Interval House on Facebook and Instagram @intervalhousect.