Exhibit Reflects Plight of Victims of Domestic Abuse

From Community Health Center

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, approximately 1.5 million people will be victims of physical assault by an intimate partner this year, and 30 to 60 percent of those cases will involve children. Despite its prevalence, domestic violence continues to be one of the most chronically underreported crimes. Today, New Horizons Domestic Violence Services – a program of Community Health Center, Inc. (CHC) – will help end the silence with “Walk In Our Footsteps,” a free outdoor exhibition to raise awareness through the voices of women and children victims.

The exhibit, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Middletown’s South Green, will include 54 pairs of children’s shoes, each representing a child who resided or participated in New Horizon’s services between October 2009 to October 2010; the Clothesline Project, displaying more than 40 tee shirts with the artwork and words of adult and child victims; and cardboard silhouettes of children, each featuring a story about a child affected by domestic violence. Representatives from New Horizons will be available to answer questions and provide information on community services and resources.

“This exhibit, representing the thousands of women and children in Connecticut who are victims each year, ensures their voices are heard,” said Michele Waldner, program director at New Horizons. “A recent Mary Kay Foundation survey found that 77 percent of domestic violence shelters are reporting an increase in women seeking assistance from abuse. This problem isn’t going away, so we must learn from victims and work together to find solutions.”

New Horizons provides a 24-hour emergency shelter, as well as community education, support groups, advocacy and individual counseling and consultation with CHC’s health care providers, for more than 1,450 victims fleeing domestic abuse each year.

WHAT:           “Walk in Our Footsteps,” an exhibit to raise awareness of the prevalence of domestic violence and its impact on women and children through the voices of victims. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

WHEN:           Friday, October 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHERE:         South Green, Main Street, Middletown, CT

MEDIA

CONTACT:     Rebecca Giantonio, (860) 262-2546 or Rebecca@chc1.com

About Community Health Center, Inc.
Since 1972, Community Health Center, Inc. has been one of the leading healthcare providers in the state of Connecticut, building a world-class primary health care system committed to caring for special populations. CHC is focused on improving health outcomes for its more than 100,000 patients as well as building healthy communities. Currently, CHC delivers service in 173 locations statewide, offering primary care in medical, dental and behavioral health services. For more information, visit www.chc1.com.