Written by Ella Pierro, GHS class of 2019
On Tuesday, June 11th, the YWCA Greenwich held a domestic violence forum triggered by disappearance of New Canaan woman, Jennifer Dulos who went missing at 7:30pm one May 24.
YWCA Greenwich is the only state designated provider of domestic abuse services in the community.
Mrs. Dulos, a mother of five who was in divorce proceedings when she disappeared. She had been on record in court documents as fearing for her and her children’s safety from her estranged husband Fotis Dulos. In an affidavit she claimed, Fotis Dulos had exhibited “irrational, unsafe, bullying, threatening and controlling behavior.” Domestic violence is suspected.
On June 1 Fotis Dulos and his girlfriend Michelle Troconis were arrested on charges of tampering with or fabricating physical evidence and first-degree hindering prosecution.
Greenwich Police Dept attended the forum, noting the number one violent crime in Greenwich is domestic violence.
The emotional event allowed residents to discuss the impacts domestic violence can have on families and the community.
The meeting commenced with a moment of silence.
However, after the discussion started, it was anything but quiet. Many topics were discussed and survivors of domestic abuse shared stories.
Meredith Gold, Director of YWCA Domestic Abuse Services and Louisa Winthrop, Clinical Supervisor, YWCA Domestic Abuse Services facilitated this conversation and provided general information about intimate partner violence, safety planning, supporting victims and survivors, and available services.
Despite varying opinions on how best to address domestic violence, the end goal was very clear: justice for Jennifer, justice for domestic abuse victims, and the end goal of preventing this from happening to anybody else.
This meeting displayed how powerful a community can be to share a voice and demand justice for those who have been marginalized by the legislative and justice systems.
One woman in the crowd replied to an official by saying, “The problem is that we cannot get an active enforcement of protections put in place.”
Many expressed how they wanted ways to share support and advice, suggesting protests, rallies, and informational meetings.
Others expressed unwavering support to Jennifer Dulos and her family, along with everyone deeply touched by her situation.
The Greenwich YWCA’s 24-hour domestic abuse hotline is free and confidential: (203) 622-0003.