Connecticut Families: Berlin High Schooler organizes volleyball game for domestic violence awareness

BERLIN, Conn. (WTNH) — “My Capstone actually came from my mom’s idea,” said Charley Carlson.

Women’s sports are important to this 17-year-old as are women’s rights and her senior project at Berlin High School incorporates both of these passions.

“I want to help the community in any way I can and I feel like this is a good way to do so,” explained Carlson, a player on the school’s varsity volleyball team.

Carlson is raising awareness of domestic violence, working with the Prudence Crandall Center in New Britain which holds a Silent No More candlelight vigil every October to erase stigma around this difficult issue.

“They are a shelter to help people who are experiencing domestic violence. They can go to a safe place to get away from their home life,” said Carlson who is turning to her peers for support. “That’s a picture of our team and our word this year is ‘together’ and it also connects to empowering women and being together, doing things together.'”

She’s hosting a special awareness night at an upcoming volleyball game, asking spectators to bring supplies for the center’s emergency shelter.

“New socks of all sizes, new sheets, new pillows,” she said, listing just some of the items needed.

There will also be a donation box at school.

“It’s becoming more common especially after Covid and I just want to make sure attention is on it,” said the young woman.

Carlson hopes to continue raising awareness about domestic violence when she heads to college next year.

She believes conversation means change.

“I want to make sure that people feel there’s a place they can go to where they feel safe and they have the help they need,” she said.

Block Out Domestic Violence Night, to support Carlson’s project, is taking place Monday, Oct. 7 at Berlin High School.

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