The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that domestic violence takes the lives of three women every single day in the U.S. One in every four American women will be abused in their lifetimes-from every walk of life and in every community.

And that’s why Safe Futures, in partnership with Hadassah American Affairs of Eastern Connecticut, is presenting “The Power of Purple, An End to Domestic Violence,” a free educational program for the public on Thursday, April 4, at Three Rivers Community College in Norwich.

The goal is to make purple-the color of domestic violence awareness-on par with the pink ribbon, the symbol of breast cancer awareness, in the consciousness of the general public, according to program organizers Emma Palzere-Rae, Safe Futures director of development and communications, and Sheila Horvitz, who founded The Rose Conrad Memorial Fund in 2005 after her client was murdered by her husband during their divorce case.

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The Power of Purple – An End to Domestic Violence

NORWICH – The Rose Conrad Memorial Fund of Safe Futures, in partnership with Hadassah American Affairs of Eastern Connecticut will present an awareness raising event, “The Power of Purple, An End to Domestic Violence” on Thursday, April 4 at Three Rivers Community College located at 574 New London Turnpike in Norwich. Registration and resources at 6:30 p.m. with the program starting at 7 p.m.  Noted author, professor, and humorist Gina Barreca is the keynote speaker.  Read full story here.

Interested in attending?  Click here for an event flier.

18th Annual Men Against Domestic Violence Campaign RADIOTHON to Benefit Safe Futures (formerly the Women’s Center)

NEW LONDON – The 18th Annual Men Against Domestic Violence Radiothon, which benefits Safe Futures, will be held on Friday, January 25, 2013 from 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  The public is invited to listen to the sponsor stations WCTY 97.7, WNLC 98.7 FM and WICH 1310 AM throughout the day to learn more about the work of Safe Futures and how to support its mission to serve women, children and men affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. Read full story here.

WHO: Felicia, 31, and her daughter, 6, son, 5, and a baby due on Christmas Day.

AGENCY: Safe Futures (formerly the Women’s Center of Southeastern Connecticut) provides free, confidential services to those impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault throughout New London County.

SITUATION: Brutally attacked by her husband while pregnant, Felicia called the police and left that night with her children. The staff at Safe Futures is amazed at her bravery, strength and resilience. Felicia’s motivation is the safety of her family and her unborn baby.

She is a hardworking, loving young mother who never misses a counseling appointment, goes to work every day and wants to build a safe, peaceful life for her children.

WHAT TO GIVE: Felicia needs everything for the baby, particularly a car seat, stroller, bouncer, diapers, baby toiletries and/or gift cards to Babies R Us, Wal-Mart and grocery stores.

Her son likes Legos and building toys; her daughter likes Barbie dolls. Activity books, educational games, pajamas and winter clothing would also be appreciated. He is a size 8; she is a size 7.

TO DONATE: Contact Susan Noyes, community resource coordinator, at SNoyes@SafeFuturesCT.org or (860) 447-0366 ext. 207. Drop-offs at 16 Jay St., New London, weekdays.  Read full story here.

Safe Futures Fall 2012 Newsletter

The Women’s Center of Southeastern Connecticut, which has a satellite office in Norwich, is changing its name to promote inclusion beyond its core adult female clients amid growth in treatment of men and boys.

The organization unveiled its new name — Safe Futures — during an event Thursday evening at the Mystic Hilton.

The New London-based entity, which provides counseling and other assistance related to domestic violence, is also changing its web address to SafeFuturesCT.org.

Males, including men and boys, were 25 percent of the agency’s clients last year, up from less than 9 percent in 1999, Director of Development Emma Palzere-Rae said. The total number of clients has hovered around 6,000 for the past four to five years, she said.

“Over the last several years it’s become very clear to us that our name no longer reflects all of the people we’re helping and all of the services we provide,” Executive Director Catherine Zeiner said. “It was of the utmost importance that our name not be a barrier to anyone getting our services who needs them.”

Backus Hospital partners to provide space.

Services in desperate need restored.

The Women’s Center of Southeastern Connecticut is pleased to announce that after three summers, it will be re-opening a counseling and advocacy center in Norwich.  The Center will be located within the Center for Mental Health, D Ground, at William H. Backus Hospital.  Counseling and Advocacy services will be offered on Mondays and Fridays, from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, beginning on September 10^th.  There is no charge to meet with a Women’s Center advocate. Read full release Here

NORWICH, Conn. (WTNH) — A shocking report shows the rate of rape cases in Norwich are twice the national average. However, the numbers shouldn’t be taken at face value. Sex assaults appear to be on the rise in southeastern Connecticut, but the Rose City may have the biggest thorn. “Should anyone be concerned about being in that city,” asked News 8′s Tina Detelj.

“No, not at all,” said Cathy Zeiner, Women’s Center of Southeastern Connecticut. Read full story here

Change is a way of life at the Phoenix House, a transitional residence for victims of domestic violence, but now thanks to Sprigs & Twigs, residents are surrounded by role models that demonstrate the peaceful process of change in the natural world.

Sprigs & Twigs was honored by the Women’s Center of Southeastern Connecticut for donating and installing all-seasons, low-maintenance gardens on the grounds near the administrative office and surrounding the transitional housing units.

“To have that healing and nurturing environment extend beyond the walls is wonderful,” said Emma Palzere-Rae, the Director of Development at the Women’s Center of Southeastern Connecticut.

Executive Director Catherine Zeiner said the gardens make the offices and the residence more welcoming and provide a bonding opportunity for families recovering from domestic violence. Read full story here