Advocates press West Haven officials on domestic‑violence response, accuse police of mishandling a fatal case

Several advocates used public comment at the West Haven City Council meeting to criticize the city’s response to domestic violence and to urge officials to adopt comprehensive prevention and survivor support measures.

Nika Zaresvant, who identified herself as a resident and advocate, described personal and community experiences with domestic violence and said the city’s current plans amount to “the very bare minimum.” She asked whether the mayor’s office had conducted a community‑focused needs assessment before rolling out new initiatives and criticized an apparent emphasis on police funding rather than direct services for survivors. “Your current plans for domestic violence prevention constitute the very bare minimum of what municipalities should commit to,” Zaresvant said.

Vanessa Suarez, another speaker who said she provided a civilian complaint and supporting documents to the council, said advocates repeatedly asked for a holistic plan and felt they were not given an opportunity to submit one. She said the city offered a single social‑worker position and marketing materials but no sustained funding pool for services such as emergency housing, mental health care, or financial assistance. Suarez and other advocates said that short‑term hotel stays and outreach materials do not address the structural barriers many victims face.

Both speakers said they had filed formal complaints with the police department and that advocates remain concerned about investigative practices in a case they described as mishandled. They urged the council and the mayor to prioritize survivor‑centered resources and to ensure police accountability in investigations.