On Monday, March 16, the brothers of Delta Tau Delta’s Iota Tau chapter at Sacred Heart University (SHU) hosted the 12th annual Men Against Violence Campaign at the Edgerton Auditorium. The chapter was founded in 2013.
Source: Instagram, @Shudelts
The event was hosted with representatives from the Center for Family Justice (CFJ). Students, staff, faculty and community members were in attendance.
Junior Giovanni Ramos, Delta Tau Delta’s (DTD) Internal Philanthropy Chairman, opened the event by honoring the 14 women who were killed on December 6, 1989 at the University of Montreal. This tragedy sparked a global movement to encourage men to take a stand against violence toward women.
“We partner with the Center for Family Justice by raising funds, spreading awareness, and volunteering at events that support survivors of domestic and sexual violence. We chose this organization because of its direct impact,” said Ramos.
The CFJ offers 24/7 crisis hotlines, shelter, counseling, court advocacy, legal and self-sufficiency services, and prevention education and training. The nonprofit has served the Connecticut communities of Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford and Trumbull for more than 125 years.
Junior DTD brother Vinny Coccimiglio acknowledged how this event educated him on violence against women.
“It’s important for men to be involved because we play a major role in shaping culture and preventing harmful behaviors,” said Coccimiglio.
A panel of speakers were on stage to educate audience members on creating a safer and more respectful community. Honorary surviors shared their stories of experiencing domestic and sexual violence, further emphasizing the importance of advocating for this issue. They were joined by Venerable Shim Bo, SHU’s Buddhist chaplain, Public Safety Officer Gary MacNamara and SHU alumna Kristen Okesson ‘06, among others.
Shim Bo gave an opening Shantideva prayer and asked the brothers to stand, saying “may Delta Tau Delta be a sanctuary.”
“The difference you can make is in engagement,” said MacNamara, executive director of Public Safety & Government Affairs.
As for the Gary MacNamara award, it was presented to Ken Mysogland, an administrator with the Department of Children & Families, State of CT and adjunct lecturer of family violence at SHU.
“There is no greater event on campus to come together now,” said Mysogland.
“This event serves as a major stepping stone toward ‘Walk a Mile in Her Shoes’ by building momentum, increasing visibility, and engaging the community early,” said Ramos.
Okesson, in addition to being a SHU alumna, is the board chair of CFJ and shared her personal experience with domestic abuse. She reflected on how her time at SHU allowed her to redraw the picture of herself.
“It’s really heartwarming to see all of you today,” said Okesson.
Mark Antonini, a 1983 SHU graduate, is the Chief Executive Officer of the CFJ. He asked all the CFJ employees to stand and acknowledged their work, which prompted a round of applause from the audience.
10 million women are beaten on an annual basis. One out of four college women report surviving rape on campus.
“This event brings a call to action to the violence suffered worldwide, but also people in our community,” said freshman Kelly Coletta, who attended the event. “The statistics I learned from this event about women and domestic violence made me aware of how much suffering there is.”
SHU alumnus Matthew DeVito ‘20 is the DTD chapter advisor and on the Board of Directors at CFJ.
“Not knowing enough was no longer a valid excuse to do nothing,” said DeVito, who was presented with the Matt Reale award for his continuous efforts against violence.
“Hosting the event and presenting awards was both inspiring and humbling. Being surrounded by individuals who are deeply committed to ending violence against women reinforces the importance of this work and motivates me to do more,” said Ramos.
