Bridgeport police held a forum focusing on domestic violence Tuesday night - one week after a Bridgeport mom and her two young sons were critically injured in a domestic violence attack.

"Before I was a police officer in Bridgeport, I was a judicial officer in Stamford - and I saw countless domestic violence cases go before the court," said Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter, who spoke at the forum. The event - held at the University of Bridgeport - focused on the importance of educating the public during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. "Speak up, get some help, and break the cycle," Porter said. "The Center for Family Justice is an amazing organization run by Deb Greenwood, and it's located right here in Bridgeport. If you go to them, they will help you," Porter said. City Councilwoman Jeanette Herron, who attended the forum, said she is a domestic violence survivor who works hard "to turn [her] pain into progress." "My now ex-husband pushed my face through a pool table and left me paralyzed for weeks, back when my kids were babies. The doctors weren't sure if I would ever walk again -- though I eventually did, thank God," Herron said. "My message is, you're not alone and there is help - but you have to start by being your own advocate. Step up and speak out. It could save your life," Herron said.