10/16/2025
Thank you, Senator Anwar, for honoring Bryana's memory 💜 We are incredibly grateful for your continued commitment to addressing domestic violence and ensuring that victims receive the care they need.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or violence in the home there is support. You can call the statewide domestic violence hotline, 1-888-774-2900 (English); 1-844-831-9200 (Spanish). This will help connect you with programs that provide shelter for victims of domestic violence, as well as counseling and other supportive services. There’s also the National Domestic Violence Hotline which provides free, confidential, and compassionate support, crisis intervention information, education, and referral services in over 200 languages. You can call them at 1-800-799-7233, chat online at thehotline.org, or text START to 88788.
As we raise awareness about Domestic Violence, i am reminded of Jessica Edwards, who left us too soon because of domestic violence. A few years ago I was honored to join Interval House, and The Network to dedicate a bench honoring Jessica Edwards at the Boundless Playground at Nevers Park, South Windsor. This moment when Jessica's sons Jayden first touched the bench has been in our hearts and minds.
I am also reminded of Bryana Raye, one of our nurses in Connecticut, was was shot and killed in a domestic violence incident in January of 2025. Her mother was also critically injured and hospitalized in the attack. I had the opportunity to be in contact with her mom and learn about the challanges she faced. Sasa Harriott was kind enough to connect me with her.
Domestic Violence is real and help is available. In Connecticut, there is a statewide network of domestic violence programs that can be reached by calling the statewide domestic violence hotline, 1-888-774-2900 (English); 1-844-831-9200 (Spanish). The programs provide shelter for victims of domestic violence, as well as counseling and other supportive services.