鶹 Hosts Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Conference
鶹’s Family Partnerships Department held its sixth annual virtual Domestic Violence Awareness Conference on October 8 on the theme “Care. Community. Connection.” This year’s conference focused on the growing issue of technology-enabled abuse and the ways communities can support survivors through education, awareness, and safety planning.
Approximately 300 people attended the virtual conference, which brought together residents and resident leaders, advocates, experts, and survivors. This year, older adult residents were able to tune into the conference in person at three sites in the Bronx and one site in Manhattan.
鶹 CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt opened the conference by welcoming everyone and emphasizing the importance of collective support and awareness. “Technology should be a tool that connects us, not one that causes fear,” Ms. Bova-Hiatt said. “By learning how to recognize and prevent digital abuse, we’re taking an important step toward promoting safety and empowering survivors.”
Co-hosts of the event were Lauren Antoine, Manhattan Borough Administrator in Family Partnerships; Jahmeiah Wingate, Community Associate in Family Partnerships; and long-time 鶹 partner Maureen Curtis, LMSW, MPH, Vice President of Criminal Justice Programs at .
Ms. Curtis led a question-and-answer segment with Jacqueline Rodriguez-Falla, a domestic violence survivor and author of “Stitched Together with Good Intentions: Finding Hope in the Broken Pieces,” who shared about how faith, writing, and community helped her heal.
“At first, I carried the guilt and shame inside myself, but I realized the pain never belonged to me – it belonged to my abuser. Using my voice helped me reclaim my freedom,” Ms. Rodgriguez-Falla said. She also offered a message of encouragement for survivors and those currently still experiencing abuse. “You are worthy of love, peace, and safety. Even if it feels impossible, there is hope, there is help. The rain doesn’t last forever — sunshine and rainbows do come after.”
Other speakers at the event included Mariah Young-Jones, Pro Bono Legal Fellow at , who presented on the organization’s services; Vance Long, Senior Program Coordinator for the Sanctuary Tech Abuse Clinic; and Irlanda Fernandez, Supervisor in 鶹’s Emergency Transfer Program.
Mr. Long presented about the Clinic to End Tech Abuse (CETA) at Cornell Tech – which is currently being transferred to Sanctuary for Families – an initiative designed to help survivors of intimate partner violence who are experiencing technology abuse. “Tech abuse can be very sensitive. We help survivors stay organized, document issues, and secure devices to restore a sense of safety and control.” He shared a webpage with including safety information concerning social media, email, and web use as well as smart home and tracking device technology.
Conference activities also included a on how to protect yourself from digital domestic abuse and an interactive Jeopardy-style game for 鶹 residents focused on awareness and prevention resources. ASL and language interpreters, as well as social workers, were also available to assist attendees seeking interpretation, guidance, or referrals.
“Every year, this conference provides us with an opportunity to gather as a community to reaffirm our commitment to safety, healing, and empowerment,” said Marina Oteiza, Senior Director of the Family Partnerships Department. “The Family Partnerships team organizes this event because raising awareness about domestic violence is essential to supporting survivors and preventing harm. This conference is a space to learn from each other and strengthen the network of care that connects residents with resources, service providers, and advocates. Hearing the stories of survivors who’ve found strength and healing reminds us why this work matters.”
Resources:
Safe Horizon 24-hour hotline: 800-621-HOPE (4673)