Valley lawmaker hosting virtual domestic violence forum
ANSONIA — A local lawmaker will host a virtual forum on domestic violence Tuesday in the wake of the city’s third intimate partner homicide in the last two years.
State Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia, Derby, will host the forum Nov. 30 at 3 p.m. via Zoom. Participants can register at https://bit.ly/3nIPsHQ.
Rochelle will be joined by Ansonia Police Lt. Patrick Lynch; Meghan Scanlon, president & CEO of the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence;
Cindy Carlson, pogram mnager at the Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence, BHCare; and Geralyn O'Neil-Wild, TEAM, Inc. board of directors board officer.
“Participants will learn more about the warning signs of domestic violence, the power and control dynamics involved, and community resources available to those experiencing domestic violence,” according to a prepared statement from Rochelle’s office. “This will include legal rights, transition services, and counseling options, among other topics.”
Panelists will also give an overview of a new 2021 law that expanded Connecticut’s definition of domestic violence to include coercive control.
“Domestic violence can affect anyone regardless of their background, and the warning signs aren’t always obvious,” Rochelle said. “The pattern of behavior may start subtly and become more aggressive over time. This forum is designed to help those experiencing or possibly witnessing domestic violence to recognize the warning signs and know where they can access assistance in our community. Our goal is to also empower people who may be experiencing domestic violence and friends who may wish to learn how they can connect a loved one who is experiencing domestic violence to support.”
The forum comes weeks after the death of 34-year-old Grace Zielinska at a Root Avenue home. Her husband, 28-year-old Kamil Zielinski, has been held in lieu of $1 million bond at the Bridgeport Correctional Center since.
He is next scheduled to appear in court Dec. 15. A vigil for Zielinska was held outside her home Nov. 16.
Zielinska’s homicide has prompted domestic violence victims’ advocates to take a closer look at the issue locally.
The death was the ninth known intimate partner homicide in Connecticut this year, three of which have been witnessed by children.
Rochelle said that since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, “domestic violence has become more prevalent as residents experience isolation and grapple with unemployment and diminished access to necessities.” “During the 2020 fiscal year from November 2019 to June 2020, the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence reported in June 2020, shelter capacity was at 151 percent, spending $78,803 on hotels to temporarily house victim-survivors,” Rochelle said. “In that same month, outgoing calls to ensure existing clients could access services necessary to be safe increased 97 percent from June 2019.”
Individuals who have questions that they would like to ask the panel privately and confidentially can email them to Rochelle at Kara.Rochelle@cga.ct.gov.
In the Naugatuck Valley, The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services can be reached by phone at 203-736-9944, 203-789-8104 or 888-774-2900 or online. Statewide domestic violence resources can be reached by calling or texting 888-774-2900 or online at www.CTSafeConnect.org.