LAKEVILLE, Conn.—Project SAGE will host three events during October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
They are the annual vigil on Thursday, Oct. 9, the third annual Take Back the Hike on Saturday, Oct. 18, and a screening, followed by a talkback, of the award-winning documentary “Another Body” on Saturday, Oct. 25.
The annual vigil and a Red Sand Project action kick off the month on Thursday, Oct. 9, at 6:30 p.m. The vigil begins at Community Field, 10 Sharon Road in Lakeville and proceeds with a candlelight Remembrance Walk to the Project SAGE office at 13A Porter Street.
It is dedicated to honoring individuals who lost their lives to domestic violence in Connecticut over the past year, while reaffirming Project SAGE’s commitment to ending relationship violence.
A small reception will follow the memorial ceremony.
The vigil is sponsored in part by National Iron Bank. Attendees are invited to arrive at Community Field 15 minutes early to participate in a Red Sand Project Action to raise awareness of human trafficking.
All are welcome for any or all of the evening.
The vigil will include discussions and reflections on sensitive topics, including domestic violence and human trafficking. Staff will be on hand for support as needed.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month continues on Saturday, Oct. 18, with the third annual “Take Back the Hike.”
The morning event is organized in partnership with the Kent Land Trust, and Kent Parks and Recreation and aims to raise awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault, spur discussions about personal safety in public spaces, and highlight the therapeutic and healing power of nature.
Hikers will gather at Skiff Mountain South Preserve at 10 a.m. for the a three-mile hike across the mountain to the Harrison overlook. “Take Back the Hike” is inspired by the broader “Take Back the Night” movement, which advocates for survivors of abuse and violence.
This year’s event marks another milestone in strengthening the connection between environmental conservation and social justice, highlighting the right of everyone to access safety both at home and in natural spaces.
“The partnership between Project SAGE and Kent Land Trust has created an event that resonates deeply with the values of community, safety and conservation,” said Melisssa Cherniske, program manager of the Kent Land Trust. ”We are looking forward to this year’s ‘Take Back the Hike’ and are excited to continue building on this meaningful tradition.”
To sign up for the hike, click here.
To round out October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Project SAGE has launched a new partnership with The Moviehouse in Millerton on Saturday, Oct. 25.
At 7 p.m., on Saturday, Oct. 25, The Moviehouse will present a screening of “Another Body,” an award-winning documentary that follows an American college student’s search for answers and justice after she discovers deep fake pornography of herself circulating online.
The screening will be followed by a talk back featuring Virginia Gold, Project SAGE director of client services, and Linda Ciano, director of community engagement, moderated by Executive Director Kristen van Ginhoven.
Screening this film is part of Project SAGE’s Year of Digital Safety offerings.
“Nearly every relationship today has some sort of virtual component, whether that means meeting new love interests through dating apps or staying connected with family and friends on social media,” said Ciano. “Building the skills needed to have healthy interactions online and knowing what to do if things go awry are vital. We hope that by encouraging conversations about digital safety we can build on the work we have always done to end interpersonal relationship violence and create a world where everyone can have healthy relationships.”
The film includes language and images that may be difficult to watch. Staff will be on hand to support as needed. Tickets are $18 and are available for purchase.
Project SAGE works to end interpersonal relationship violence by challenging attitudes and changing beliefs about power, control and gender norms. Project SAGE serves clients in Canaan/Falls Village, Cornwall, Kent, North Canaan, Salisbury/Lakeville, Sharon, nearby New York and Massachusetts towns and communities served by GA-18 court (Bridgewater, New Milford, Roxbury), providing free, confidential crisis services for clients, including a 24/7 hotline, emergency shelter, re-housing support, individual safety planning, individual and group counseling, legal advocacy for both civil and criminal court.
For support or more information, contact Project SAGE’s hotline anytime 24/7 at 860-364-1900.