Families attend annual Jennifer Farber Dulos Memorial Walk

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) – Families dressed in purple participated in the annual Jennifer Farber Dulos Walk in honor of her memory and the efforts to end domestic violence.

The walk was at Dunkin’ Park. About 200 people wore purple and walked a mile around the field. The walk was a day after Farber Dulos’ birthday. She would have been 56 years old.

The event was organized by Interval House, an agency dedicated to ending domestic violence. The President and CEO, Mary-Jane Foster, said that Farber Dulos’ story is a reminder that domestic violence can reach every corner of the state.

“It’s an important lesson to learn to remember that it can happen to anyone, anywhere, regardless of who you are,” said Foster.

According to the CDC, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men aged 18 and older in the US have been the victim of physical violence by a partner.

Foster adds that this event serves as the start to Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.

“It’s incredibly important that we talk about this issue and that we bring it out of the dark and into the light so it’s not shameful,” she said.

Survivors of domestic violence attended the walk. Some held signs with encouraging messages.

“My advice is this, speak out, said Ozioma Okoro, a survivor. “We got to. Seek help, you’ll get help.”

Foster said the walk is also for victims who have passed and people who might still be in an abusive relationship.

“We have got to break the cycle of violence,” said Foster. “It’s intergenerational and if you don’t talk about it, if we don’t teach our young about healthy relationships we cannot hope to make a difference.”

Foster said children should be taught what a stable, healthy relationship looks like. The event had activities to learn about that message, such as an arts and crafts table with a poster that said “hands are not for hitting.”

“Every family looks different but being able to show them respect, love, within the four walls of which they live, is critical,” said Morgan Ferrarotti, a mother and survivor of domestic violence.

Kids also wrote letters of support that will be sent to people in a safe house. An Interval House staff member said the safe house is currently full.

News 8’s Dennis House was an emcee for the walk and is also part of Interval House’s Men Make a Difference group. They aim to teach boys and other men the message that there is never an excuse for abuse.

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