CCADV Press Releases

The tragic deaths of Luz Figueroa in Willimantic and Jennifer Brelsford in Bridgeport this month mark the state’s sixth and seventh intimate partner violence homicides this year. Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) sends our thoughts and prayers to their family and friends. “We are deeply saddened that two more lives have been senselessly taken and we want to remind everyone that advocates are available 24/7 to assist those who are feeling unsafe in their relationship,” said Karen Jarmoc, chief executive officer of CCADV. “Abusive, controlling behaviors can be subtle but escalate over time. Whether you have questions, need resources, or just want someone who will listen without judgement, our advocates are available via call, text, chat, and email to speak with you in whatever way you are comfortable.”

The Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) is today urging lawmakers to permanently open the door for online restraining order applications when they convene in special session later this fall. An Executive Order issued by Governor Ned Lamont in early April to allow for an online process – for the very first time - has validated the need and efficacy of this approach with nearly 700 applications filed with the assistance of a domestic violence advocate during this period. Yet, despite these unprecedented efforts to create an efficient online process, the total number of restraining order applications filed in the state fell over 50% during April and May, prior to courts beginning to re-open in June.

The Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) is deeply saddened to learn that a woman in Middletown was the apparent victim of an intimate partner homicide on Monday. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends. Identified as a “domestic violence call” by law enforcement, this appears to be the first intimate partner homicide to occur in Connecticut during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the third overall intimate partner homicide in 2020, all of which appear to have been stabbings. With the first two homicides this year occurring in January, this third homicide marks the longest period (137 days/4 months, 3 weeks) between intimate partner homicides in Connecticut since 2012 (123 days/4 months, 1 week). Connecticut has averaged just under 14 intimate partner homicides annually since 2000.

Change is possible but it may not be easy. Under significant stress, we may act in ways that are blaming, controlling, and, possibly abusive. Although it may not feel like it in the moment, these behaviors are choices. Therefore, we can choose to act in ways that are supportive and kind. Maintaining healthy relationships under the best of circumstances is difficult. It takes a strong and resilient person to choose to act calmly and compassionately under stress.

Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) offers the following update on data available from various stakeholders within Connecticut’s domestic violence response system during COVID-19. “During the first two weeks of April we saw a marked increase in calls to the state’s domestic violence hotline,” said Karen Jarmoc, chief executive officer, CCADV. “We continue to see the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on victims as they cope with issues such as unemployment and decreased access to basic necessities. Our service system feels the ripple effect but we continue to adjust to ensure that the needs of victims are met. We want victims and survivors to know that all domestic violence services remain operational 24/7 throughout this public health crisis and we will do everything we can to ensure their families have what they need to stay safe.”