Saud Anwar

Senator Anwar Joins Vigil in Honor of Jessica Edwards with Domestic Violence Prevention Advocates

SOUTH WINDSOR – Today, at Nevers Park, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) joined the friends and family of Jessica Edwards, a 30-year-old South Windsor mother killed earlier this year in an incident of domestic violence, for a vigil in her honor, including the dedication of a bench at the park’s boundless playground. Sen. Anwar was also joined by domestic violence advocacy groups, including Interval House and The Network of Enfield. As October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the event stood as a stark reminder of the tragic losses all too commonly caused by domestic violence and the importance of fighting and preventing domestic violence.

“I wish with all my heart that Jessica Edwards could stand with us today,” said Sen. Anwar. “Her loss, and memory, reminds us of the worst impacts of domestic violence – fractured families and children losing parents far before their time. Unfortunately, she is not alone. Millions of Americans and tens of thousands of Connecticut residents must face domestic violence every year, all too often with tragic consequences. In Jessica’s honor, a bench at Nevers Park’s boundless playground will provide rest and relief to the parents and children of South Windsor for decades to come. In her honor, we must also resolve to do more to fight the scourge of domestic violence.”

In May 2021, Jessica Edwards was killed in an incident of domestic violence. Her husband has been charged with first-degree manslaughter; police said he confessed to killing his wife, according to media reports.

Approximately 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime, according to the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and nearly half of all female homicide victims are killed by current or former intimate partners.

October, recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, is dedicated to raising awareness of the pervasive issue of domestic violence and empowering individuals to break its horrific cycle by learning how to identify and stop it. In doing so, our communities can support and protect those at risk.