Recalling victims, celebrating survivors
Trumbull vigil highlights domestic violence’s danger
TRUMBULL — Priscilla said the abuse started when she was 13.
“I prayed while being sexually abused by my father,” she said Wednesday, sharing her story with a room of about 40 people at the Trumbull Library during a vigil that celebrated survivors of sexual assault and reflected on lives lost through domestic violence.
Priscilla said her father “shared” her with his friends, introduced her to drugs and alcohol and repeatedly assaulted her.
“I was a little girl with a dream,” she recalled. “Where was my safe haven?”
She said she kept the abuse a secret from her mother and sister until she was 32, which is when she found out two of her sisters survived the same abuse.
Years later, Priscilla found her safe haven in the Center for Family Justice, an organization based in Bridgeport that helps all victims of all forms of domestic violence.
Priscilla, who did not give her last name, is one of the Center for Family Justice’s VOICES — survivors of domestic violence who are ready and comfortable to share their stories with the public.
“It’s never too late,” Priscilla said. “They (our abusers) don’t get to win. ... Stand with me and fight back.”
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Trumbull’s vigil is one of many similar events planned locally, statewide and nationally to bring attention to domestic violence and its effects on society.
Deb Greenwood, president and CEO of the center, said 143 Trumbull residents were treated or received services at the center last year.
“We know domestic violence has many faces,” Greenwood said.
In 2017, the center helped an estimated 5,000 people in the center’s safe homes. Greenwood said 89 percent of them were women and 11 percent were men. That number, she said, included the 250 children the center helped.
“It’s (domestic violence) serious for all genders, all races, all cul- tures,” she said.
First Selectman Vicki Tesoro urged residents to get involved and to be active to help break the cycle of abuse.
“This type of violence knows no borders,” she said.
When it comes to law enforcement, since at least 2012, police across the state have sent a minimum of two officers to any domestic violence call.
These calls are the most dangerous ones police respond to, Trumbull Police Chief Michael Lombardo said.
“They’re more dangerous for those living there,” he said.
Lombardo mentioned a town resident that suffered a “very traumatic attack.” He said after they
went to the center for help, they told him their life was saved.
“It’s much better now than it was years ago,” Lombardo said, attributing that to organizations such as the Center for Family Justice.
Greenwood urged members of the public to get involved with the center, which is staffed by 41 people. She said the best way to help is to listen to and believe survivors when they tell their story.
Priscilla agreed, saying that fear of people judging her temporarily deterred her reporting the abuse. But she said she overcame those fears with encouragement from the center.
“We are no longer victims, we are victorious survivors,” Priscilla said.
Wednesday’s event wrapped up with the reading of names and brief summaries of victims of fatal domestic violence instances in Connecticut last year.
On Feb. 8, 2017, 61-year-old Robert Jones, of Bridgeport, was beaten to death by his niece, Tynisha Hall, 35, and her husband, 39-year-old Brent Whiteman. The two, who police said also tortured Jones for months, were charged with his murder.
On Feb. 24, 2017, 26-year-old Nidia Gonzalez was stabbed to death by her boyfriend, Oscar Hernandez. He fled with their daughter and was caught in Pennsylvania after a three-state pursuit. He was charged with her murder. His trial is underway.
On April 24, 2017, 10-month-old Bridgeport resident Donovan Siberon was taken from his parent’s home unresponsive. He died the next day. The baby’s father, Derrick Siberon, was later charged in connection with his death.
On July 5, 2017, 33-year-old Jennifer Knox, of Bridgeport, was shot and killed by her husband, Keith Knox, 32, before he turned the gun on himself.
On Aug. 15, 2017, 27-year-old Raenetta Catchings, of Stratford, was shot dead by her uncle, 21year-old Michael Catchings. Police charged him with murder in her death.