"My Avenging Angel" Workshop

"Living well is the best revenge" is the theme of a new workshop being offered free of charge to help survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and other abuse move beyond their pasts and create a new future for themselves and their children. Sponsored by the Hartford Hospital Domestic Violence Prevention Program and led by Susan Omilian of West Hartford, a "My Avenging Angel" workshop will be held in two sessions on Saturdays, January 18 and January 25 in Wethersfield.

Workshop facilitator Omilian is an attorney and published author who has worked as an advocate for women who have been abused for the last 25 years. "I chose the name 'My Avenging Angel' because the energy to transform one's life needs to come from a strong emotion like vengeance," explains Omilian. "But still the touch can be light, like an angel's, and without anger or recrimination."

Through the writing, creativity and focusing exercises offered in the workshop, Omilian hopes to help participants build their self-esteem, conquer their doubts and fears and discover their hidden talents. "One in six women will be subject to abuse and its aftermath in their lifetimes," says Omilian. "There must be a way for them to move permanently out of the cycle of violence and find their creative paths."

Both sessions of the workshop will be held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Education Resource Center at the Hartford Hospital Wethersfield Health Center, 11260 Silas Deane Highway in Wethersfield. The workshop is free, but advanced registration is required through the Hartford Hospital Health Referral Service at 860-545-1888.

These workshops are dedicated to the memory of Omilian's 19-year old niece, Maggie, who was murdered in October, 1999 by her ex-boyfriend at Kalamazoo College in Michigan. For more info call Susan Omilian at 860-236-2401.