Ending male-on-female violence: "Love is Greater Than Hate Project" launches to nationwide audience

HARTFORD (WITI) -- Violence at the hands of a man that may have taken their daughter's young life, but a Hartford couple is determined to prevent other parents from experiencing what they have.

On Friday night, the story of Jessie Blodgett will air to a nationwide audience, which means her mother and father's message will continue to spread.

"There's just this huge groundswell in the last few days. My phone's ringing off the hook," said Buck Blodgett, started Love is Greater Than Hate Project.

In July of 2013, Blodgett's daughter, Jessie, was murdered in her own bedroom by a man she had considered her friend.

"Right after Jess passed, more and more things began to happen, and I feel like I have better eyes and ears to see and hear now," said Blodgett.

Friday, the Hartford man will be seen and heard on national television as he shares his family's story and mission -- to end male-against-female violence with a national audience.

"I feel like Jessie's really excited about this, and I feel like she would be so stoked to see what's been happening," said Blodgett.

What's been happening also involves a series of presentations to a variety of different local groups and organizations -- all of them asking men to take a pledge.

"I promise to never-ever hit, or otherwise harm another woman, girl, or child," said Blodgett.

Blodgett believes he's doing what Jessie wants him to do -- and his confirmation comes from her words or encouragement echoing through his soul.

"It's usually kind of along the lines of 'good job, Dad! I'm proud of you, Dad! Love you, Dad! The words will come, go for it," said Blodgett.

Jessie Blodgett

As a chiropractor, Blodgett knows how the hands can harm, or help heal.

"I don't understand and we don't understand the impact that we have on each other every day. It's big. It's much bigger than we think, and the question is: What impact are you gonna have?" said Blodgett.

Blodgett currently has about a half-dozen speaking engagements lined up, but he's not just talking -- he says he's also writing. In fact, he's in the midst of putting together a book about his experience.

Buck Blodgett says he hopes his appearance on Dateline on Friday will spark interest in his newly-formed non-profit, the Love is Greather Than Hate Project.

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