NORWICH – October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and in light of the growing epidemic of domestic violence, Catholic Charities of Chenango County hopes to empower women through programs and services offered at its 9th annual “Celebration of Women.”
The event will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25 at the Howard Johnson Hotel in Norwich. A number of local community based organizations, guest speakers, information and networking opportunities will be made available to women who face the hardships of domestic violence.
Like in past years, women will also have the chance to pamper themselves with free manicures, pedicures, massages and hair styling. Additionally, women who wish to broaden their horizons may take advantage of employment and educational opportunities. What’s more, there will be fitness and self-defense training demonstrations, and numerous non-profit organizations will be stationed to help women gain a better sense of their well-being.
According to Maggie O’Connor, senior advocate of the Crime Victims Program at Catholic Charities, the evening is a great opportunity for women to seek help with their struggle in violent relationships. “This event gets bigger and bigger every year,” she said. “This year’s campaign encourages women to stand up against domestic violence and to be pro active.” The goal, she added, is to bring community awareness to the significant impact of domestic violence and make a difference by reducing the number of people who are in unsafe relationships while educating them on the resources available in the area.
Throughout the night, music will be performed by Michael and the Girls, and Zumba dance lessons will be offered. Women will also have the opportunity to shop several home-based businesses that sell jewelry, cookware, makeup and home decor.
Also this year, featured speaker Samantha Wackford will discuss how her experiences in a violent relationship have left a lasting impact on her everyday life and how she finds the strength to carry on. In April, 2002, Wackford was severely injured when an attacker splashed acid on her face and body only two weeks before she was to graduate from high school in her homeland of Guyana, South America. “Hers is one of the most heart-felt triumphant stories of the most heinous crime imaginable,” O’Connor said.
“There are so many wonderful things that this program does,” explained Marilyn Babcock, a psychotherapist for Catholic Charities. After attending last year’s event, Babcock had the idea to bring something new to the program this year: The chance for women to sit in a private group discussion and share their experiences of domestic violence.
“I saw a need for a corner reserved for people who have been affected, to sit down and talk about some of their issues. Recent research shows that when people discuss some of these issues in a group setting, it can have a very powerful affect in the way they heal,” Babcock said. She noted that women sometimes struggle with sharing their experiences, even with people who share a similar background. “A safe group is a wonderful way to build trust,” she added.
For additional information or to reserve a table at no charge, contact O’Connor at 334-3532. A 24-hour hotline is available for victims of domestic violence at 336-1101.