Local Businesses Join Forces to Help Abused Women at Ladies Night Out

RIDGEFIELD, CT — It's a topic many don't want to talk about, especially in affluent community, but one that can't be ignored— domestic violence. A Ridgefield "Mompreneur" has organized an event to benefit The Women's Center of Greater Danbury and all proceeds will go to help the program serve as a safe haven for abused women.

Gillian Sheerin, founder of the Ridgefield Moms Group, is a Rodan + Fields representative and said she organized Wednesday's event to help women who suffer in silence. "I grew up in Ridgefield and started the mom's group when my daughter was just 6 months old. I know women who have suffered abuse at the hands of their husbands and I felt this was a good way to give back and help them."

A Ridgefield mom in the group who did not wish to be named, "Ann," told organizers of the event that she was a victim of domestic abuse during her first marriage at the age of twenty. She said she suffered for three years because her husband led her to believe she was worthless and would be nothing without him, a tactic many abusers use to keep their victims tied down.

"After months of beatings, I finally got the courage to leave but made the mistake of telling him. That resulted in another brutal beating, a 911 call and the phone being ripped out of the wall (back in 1990). When I decided to leave the next time I left with literally the clothes on my back, battered and bruised on the inside and out, with no money in my pocket. But thanks to the therapists Danbury Women's Center, I slowly regained a sense of strength and confidence I didn't know I had and for that I am eternally grateful. I suffered for the sake of my son but now I'm stronger and work to help others."

Samantha Conetta Flynn, Development Director of the Women's Center of Greater Danbury, said that instances of domestic violence escalate during the holidays, especially in affluent communities such as Ridgefield.

Adam Tible, owner of SDSS Martial Arts donated a $300 gift certificate to help the cause and also to let women know that his studio also serves as a safe haven to help women protect themselves. Tible said that SDSS Martial Arts "advocates that an individual has the right to protect themselves and their families."

The entry fee for Wednesday's event is a $15 donation to benefit the ongoing programs and services provided by The Women's Center of Greater Danbury. Raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20.

Amy Pal, owner of Whip Salon, Danielle Verrilli, owner of Audrey Road, Kate Scarlett, employee at Mill Plain Medical Aesthetics, Nicole Coleman of Arbonne are also donating gift certificates. Tigers Den in Ridgefield is providing delicious food and there will be complimentary wine as well.

Vendors include Barefoot Children's Books, Rodan + Fields Skin Care, Bach to Rock Ridgefield Music School, Claudia Pacifico Photography, Trieste Matte Essential Oils and more.

Bach to Rock is offering childcare for $10 per child from 7-9 p.m. which includes music with our early childhood instructor, holiday crafts, face painting and fun games. If you're bringing a child please R.S.V.P. A.S.A.P. as space if filling up quickly. To R.S.V.P. call (203) 403-3172 or email ridgefield@bachtorock.com.

Bach to Rock Ridgefield is located at 15 Danbury Road, Ridgefield, CT in the plaza near Mannen Japanese Restaurant.

For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1714897928838717/.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call The Women's Center of Danbury at any of the 24/7 hour hotlines below:

• Sexual assault hotline: 203-731-5204
• Domestic Violence hotline 203-731-5206
• Helpline- appointments & referrals 203-731-5200

About the Women's Center of Greater Danbury:

Since its founding in 1975, the Women’s Center has been a safe haven as the sole provider of services to victims of domestic and sexual violence in the Northern Fairfield and Southern Litchfield County areas.
Each year, the Center serves over 20,000 individuals from area communities. Free and confidential services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The Center's key areas of focus include emergency shelter and support services, counseling and advocacy, crisis intervention, and community education, primary prevention and training.

All funds provided to the Center support critically needed domestic violence, sexual assault and resource services for adults and children in our 13-town service area, including: Bethel, Bridgewater, Brookfield, Danbury, Kent, New Fairfield, New Milford, Newtown, Redding, Ridgefield, Roxbury, Sherman, and Washington. The Women's Center is a member of the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) and Connecticut Sexual Assault Crisis Services (CONNSACS).