October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, support survivors and remind our communities that each of us can play a role in creating a future where everyone feels safe, supported and empowered.
At Ellafi Federal Credit Union, we’re sharing a simple message this October: Silence Doesn’t Help. Support Does.
Domestic violence can be difficult to talk about. Sometimes we don’t know what to say, we may worry about saying the wrong thing, or we assume someone else is better equipped to help. But supporting someone experiencing domestic violence doesn’t always begin with having the perfect words or knowing exactly what to do. It can start by listening, learning, knowing where help is available and making sure someone knows they don’t have to navigate what comes next alone.
Creating greater awareness around domestic violence also helps break down the silence and stigma that can prevent people from reaching out for help. The more we are willing to have these conversations, learn about the resources available and support the organizations doing this work every day, the stronger and more supportive our communities can become.
Why This Matters to Ellafi
At Ellafi, our mission is centered on empowering women+ and their allies, building economic resilience and helping people achieve greater financial independence. That mission extends beyond the products and services we provide as a credit union.
Financial well-being, independence and personal safety can be deeply connected. Financial abuse can be one component of domestic violence and can include controlling someone's access to money, employment, credit, financial accounts or other resources. These barriers can make it more difficult for someone experiencing abuse to leave an unsafe situation or begin rebuilding independently.
As a credit union with a focus on empowering women+, we believe it’s important to use our voice to raise awareness, support organizations doing this work and help connect people with resources when they may need them. Financial independence can mean much more than reaching a savings goal or improving a credit score. For someone rebuilding after domestic violence, access to financial resources, knowledge and support can be an important part of creating stability, security and a new beginning.
Through Ellafi Kind, our charitable and community-focused efforts also include supporting women transitioning out of domestic violence situations, with a focus on programs and resources that can help build financial stability and independence. It’s one of the ways we’re working to turn awareness into meaningful support within the communities we serve.
Awareness Is an Important First Step
Domestic Violence Awareness Month gives all of us an opportunity to start conversations that can sometimes be difficult to have. Awareness can help people recognize signs of abuse, better understand the experiences of survivors and learn how to respond when someone reaches out for support.
Supporting a survivor can look different in every situation. It may mean listening without judgment, respecting someone's decisions, learning more about available resources or helping them connect with trained professionals who can provide confidential support and safety planning. It’s also important to understand that leaving an abusive relationship can be complicated and, in some circumstances, dangerous. Support should be centered on the survivor and the choices they make for themselves.
Fortunately, there are organizations here in Connecticut working every day to provide confidential support, advocacy, education and resources to individuals and families impacted by domestic violence.
Resources and Support in Our Community
New Horizons Domestic Violence Services
New Horizons Domestic Violence Services provides support to individuals and families impacted by domestic and intimate partner violence throughout Middlesex County.
Services include a confidential 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, court advocacy, community education, support and connections to additional resources. New Horizons also assists survivors with needs that can be important when rebuilding independence, including financial planning and housing application assistance.
24-Hour Hotline: 860-344-9599
Spanish: 1-844-831-9200
Visit New Horizons Domestic Violence Services to learn more, access resources or find help.
Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence
The Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) leads a statewide network of domestic violence organizations providing services to survivors and their families across Connecticut.
Through CT Safe Connect, individuals can connect with certified domestic violence advocates for confidential information, support, safety planning and connections to local services.
CT Safe Connect: 888-774-2900
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call or text 911.
Listen. Support. Stand With Survivors.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an opportunity to do more than simply recognize an important issue. It’s a chance to listen, educate ourselves, support organizations doing this work, make resources easier to find and help create communities where survivors know they are not alone.
At Ellafi, our work is about helping people build greater independence, confidence and economic resilience. Through Ellafi and Ellafi Kind, we will continue looking for meaningful ways to support organizations, programs and initiatives that help women+ and our communities move toward greater safety, stability and financial independence.
This October, our message is simple: Silence Doesn’t Help. Support Does.
Listen. Support. Stand with survivors. Because survivors deserve to be heard, survivors deserve support, survivors deserve safety, and survivors deserve the opportunity to build the future they choose.