Did you know that every year victims of intimate partner violence miss a total of nearly 8 million days of paid work — the equivalent of more than 32,000 full-time jobs — costing American employers $13 billion? If you think this isn’t happening at your company, think again: One in three women and one in four men in the United States have experienced physical violence, sexual abuse and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
Founded in 1977, Interval House is the largest agency in Connecticut dedicated to ending domestic violence. From its inception in the basement of the Asylum Hill Congregational Church by women wanting to help others suffering in silence, Interval House has long been committed to empowering clients, providing a nurturing environment for victims to heal and reclaim their lives as survivors.
Today, Interval House offers free and compassionate interventions to thousands of victims per year in Hartford and 23 towns both east and west of the Connecticut River. With a small but dedicated team of 31 program staff and five administrators, Interval House provides hotline counseling, safety planning, information and referrals, emergency shelter, court advocacy, support groups and children’s programming like art therapy in the safe house. Advocates work with clients to assess their situation and map a path forward to self-sufficiency—ensuring independence from abusers and a future without violence.
“Breaking the Cycle” is Interval House’s prevention and education program that raises awareness of the dynamics of intimate partner violence and what healthy relationships look like. The Interval House outreach team visits schools, libraries, community centers and youth-centered organizations, offering instruction for kids and teens as well as training for educators, mentors, coaches and parents. Presentations and materials cover topics like healthy friendships, teen dating, respect, boundaries and self-love. Interactive workshops allow young people to apply what they’ve learned to real-life scenarios.
Partnerships with Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford, Camp Courant, Our Piece of the Pie, YWCA Hartford Region and Big Brothers Big Sisters ensure regular touchpoints with youth in the community year-round. Additionally, collaborations with law enforcement, human service agencies, and the corporate and healthcare communities promote identification of people experiencing abuse and provide them with support and resources. If you would like an Interval House educator or trainer to work with your group, submit a request at intervalhousect.org/education-request.
Calling all men! Think domestic violence is a “women’s issue?” With 92% of abusers being men, ending domestic violence is very much your issue. Join us this Father’s Day and stand with Interval House to end violence against women. Visit intervalhousect.org/fathers-day before May 31 to add your name to our list, which will be printed in the June 15 issue of the Hartford Business Journal!
