Gentile joins movement to end violence against women

     State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia, joined individuals and organizations throughout Connecticut for One Billion Rising, a worldwide event encouraging women and those who love them to demand an end to violence against women and girls.

    The event Thursday at the Capitol in Hartford was sponsored by Connecticut Sexual Assault Crisis Services (CONNSACS), the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) and the Permanent Commission on the Status of Women (PCSW). The event featured music and dancing.

     “The statistics for the State of Connecticut are extremely disturbing.  One in four women or girls has been sexually assaulted.  As the grandmother of four granddaughters, that means that the possibility of one of them being abused is not unrealistic.  I cannot, and will not accept this statistic. I firmly believe that as an elected official, I must do everything possible to reduce and eliminate this frightening statistic removing my loved ones, and all the women and girls within this state from harm,” said Gentile.

 Attitudes challenged

     “Far too many people will experience sexual violence in their lifetime, most often at the hands of someone they know or trust,” said Laura Cordes, Executive Director of Connecticut Sexual Assault Crisis Services. “On behalf of the victims and survivors we serve every day in Connecticut, we are proud to stand with our Connecticut allies and people around the world who want to challenge the longstanding attitudes and behaviors that support violence against women and girls.”

     While violence against women is a global problem, its impact is keenly felt in Connecticut. “Last year CCADV’s 18 member programs served more than 57,000 victims of domestic violence,” said Karen Jarmoc, Executive Director, Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

   “It is critical that more people speak up about violence against women, that we hold each other accountable for our actions and words, and that we teach children at a very young age about respect and healthy relationships.”

This information is taken from a press release from Gentile's office.