To The Editor:
I applaud your July 23 editorial entitled, “The Right Neighborhood.” A small group of individuals made it virtually impossible for a well-supported, community-based organization in Enfield to achieve its mission of ending domestic violence.
Whether they know it or not, every person in that “Right Neighborhood” knows a victim of domestic violence. And some of these victims probably also live in that “right neighborhood.” But they will never tell because their neighbors don’t approve. Their neighborhood isn’t the place where victims live. And instead of mistakenly going next door to attack someone else, the victim’s abusive partner stays inside and terrorizes everyone close to them then goes outside and says, “hi neighbor.”
It is difficult for anyone experiencing domestic violence to leave their home. It is equally as difficult to move into an environment where you know no one and will have to rebuild your life. Domestic violence victims already feel isolated. Instead of ostracizing them, I urge your readers to take on the responsibility of learning about domestic violence and to support victims as they move forward in their lives.
Lisa Holden
Executive Director
Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence