New York – An evening of listening, discussion, and solidarity brought together experts, community representatives, and participants on October 19 at the Consulate General of Italy in New York to discuss domestic violence awareness and prevention. Promoted by the Comites of New York in collaboration with Giada Bardelli Joys, the event was opened by Deputy Consul Marta Mammana and Ornella Fado, Vice President of the Committee and Chair of the Communication and Events Commission. Fado, the Project Director, welcomed attendees and introduced "What No One Sees," a video on domestic violence featured at Antonio Fini’s Fini Dance Festival, choreographed by Mirko Giordano and performed by Serena Valentino and Giordano himself.
This was followed by an introductory video dedicated to Giada Bardelli Joys, who then shared her personal story and the journey that led her to become an advocate for these issues. The panel featured Janet L. Porro, Esq., Dr. Michele Stefano Piccolo, Alessandra Belloni, and Janilvia Rejs from the NMIC Domestic Violence Project, who addressed the topic from legal, psychological, artistic, and community perspectives. Ornella Fado ensured the project combined awareness with tangible support, establishing a partnership with the NMIC Domestic Violence Project that enabled a fundraising campaign. The evening also highlighted the work made possible by an Enchanting Engagement grant, which has allowed the Comites of New York to launch several awareness initiatives in recent months. These include a scholarship awarded to a student of maestro Antonio Fini whose mother was a victim of femicide.