Interval House

 

Mary Jane Foster spoke to the Club and outlined Interval House’s mission and the status of domestic violence in 2023

 

The group was founded in 1977 as an outgrowth of a support group hosted by Asylum Congregational Church. Gradually, many roles were added: Counseling, a child advocate, and eventually, safehouse facilities.

 

The reality of today is that our region is multi-cultural – what is seen as abusive behavior in mainstream American culture may not be seen, or even perceived as abusive, by immigrant populations. Add to this a language barrier. And perhaps the  biggest problem is that the victims of abuse may not realize they are being abused, because it was always that way in their country of origin.

 

The hotline is very busy and overcapacity. Last year they fielded 4500 calls – 12 per day. It is estimated that there are at least 40,000 cases of abuse in Connecticut every year.

 

Currently, the goal is to break the cycle and prevent abuse. It’s not an easy job, Interval House is working with the Boys and Girls Clubs in the region and coordinating with police departments in the region to work towards this goal.