NORWICH – Catholic Charities of Chenango County’s Crime Victims Program will host a special educational event focusing on interpersonal violence and support for both victims of violence and the service providers who fight it, from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in the community room of Guernsey Memorial Library, 3 Court St.
According to Crime Victims Program Director Daniel Auwarter, Samantha Wackford will be the night’s featured speaker. Wackford, in April of 2002, was severely injured when an attacker splashed acid onto her face and body, just two weeks prior to her graduation from high school in her homeland of Guyana, South America.
Said Auwarter, “Sam’s an example of a person who has overcome tragedy at the hands of an abusive partner and has chosen to dedicate her life to helping others who are affected by violence.”
Crime Victims Program community educator and victim advocate June McIntyre-Georgia said she found it wonderful that Wackford is willing to come forward, calling her a courageous young woman.
“When it happened, I thought my life was over,” said Wackford of the attack, committed by a man hired by a jealous ex-boyfriend. “It shattered my dreams, my hopes and all of the goals I had for myself.”
Instead, Wackford is now a college graduate, after she recently received an associate’s degree from Morrisville State College’s Norwich Campus.
U.S. Representative Richard Hanna, who hopes to attend Wackford’s presentation, sent a letter in support of the Crime Victims Program and tomorrow’s event.
“Throughout my adult life, I have been a strong and consistent supporter of women’s rights and organizations in upstate New York that aid women, especially those most vulnerable in our community,” wrote Hanna, who recently voted against the House of Representatives’ version of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2012. That version, which would reauthorize funding for VAWA grant programs for five years and includes several policy changes, is different than the one passed by the Senate in April, said Hanna; one that passed with broad bipartisan support.
“There are significant differences between the House and Senate bills when it comes to protections extended to some of the most vulnerable domestic abuse victims in our society,” he added. “In hearing from service providers, women’s groups and victim advocates in upstate New York like yourself [Crime Victims Program], it was clear that those on the front lines prefer provisions of the bill advanced in the Senate.”
Chenango County District Attorney Joseph McBride will introduce Wackford on Wednesday, commenting on the importance of law enforcement and the courts in supporting victims, said Auwarter. And while Wackford’s story may be tragic, he added, it’s also an inspiration to those who’ve suffered domestic abuse and violence.
“Sam came here to seek a better life and an education; she’s very interested in sharing her story; and to show how fortunate we are to have programs like Catholic Charities,” stated Auwarter.
Wednesday’s presentation is free, open to the public and light refreshments will be served. For more information, visit ccofcc.com.