Connecticut

COUNSELING AND OTHER SUPPORT SERVICES

The Center for Women and Families of Eastern Fairfield County, Inc.
753 Fairfield Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06604
Office: (203) 334-6154
Office Hours: Monday- Friday, 8:30am-5pm EST
Hotline: (203) 333-2233
Hotline Hours: 24 hours
Accept collect calls: No
Website: www.cwfefc.org

The Center for Women and Families of Eastern Fairfield County provides comprehensive services for survivors of sexual assault and their family, friends, and service providers who are impacted by these issues.

Service area: Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford, and Trumbull Counties
Work with: All survivors of sexual assault
Services for survivors during incarceration include: Crisis intervention, information, and support by mail or via the 24-hour hotline; and information and referrals.
Services for survivors after release include: All of the above, as well as short-term counseling.
Services for loved ones include: All of the above.
Fees: Free
Additional Information: The Center for Women and Families of Eastern Fairfield County operates the Women of C.H.A.N.G.E. program, which provides services to women in the York Correctional Institution who are being released. The goal of this program is to help prepare incarcerated women to deal with life after prison. Women of C.H.A.N.G.E. services include: trauma-sensitive and short-term counseling; interpersonal skills workshops; assistance with job placement and job-skills development; referrals to community agencies such as Literacy Volunteers; job training; and substance abuse treatment.

Connecticut Sexual Assault Crisis Services, Inc.
96 Pitkin Street
East Hartford, CT 06108
Office/TTY: (860) 282-9881
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm EST
Toll-free Statewide Hotline: (888) 999-5545
Hotline Hours: 24 hours
Línea de Ayuda Gratuita En Español: (888) 568-8332
Horas de la Línea De Ayuda: 24 horas
Accept collect calls: No
Website: www.connsacs.org

Connecticut Sexual Assault Crisis Services, Inc. (CONNSACS) is a statewide coalition of individual sexual assault crisis programs. CONNSACS’ mission is to end sexual violence and ensure high quality, comprehensive and culturally competent sexual assault survivor services. CONNSACS works to send sexual violence through victim assistance, community education, and public policy advocacy.

Service area: Connecticut
Work with: Rape crisis centers, sexual assault survivors and their loved ones, and community members
Service for survivors during incarceration include: Referrals to the nearest sexual assault center via the 24-hour statewide hotline or by mail and a listing of member rape crisis centers throughout Connecticut on the CONNSACS’ website.
Services for survivors after release include: All of the above.
Services for loved ones include: All of the above.
Fees: Free Additional
Information: No crisis intervention or counseling services are available.

Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health Collective
P.O. Box 2094
Hartford, CT 06145
Office: (860) 278-4163
Office Hours: Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Friday, 9am-5pm and Thursday, 9am-9pm EST
Accept collect calls: No
Website: www.hglhc.org
Email: info@hglhc.org

The Hartford Gay and Lesbian Health collective (HGLHC) provides medical services, support groups, mental health services, and health education. HGLHC programs are tailored to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities, but serve clients of all genders and gender identities, sexual orientations, ages, and ethnicities.

Service area: Primarily Hartford, Middlesex, and Tolland Counties, but will serve any client
Work with: Anyone, but specialize in services for the LGBT community
Services available to survivors during incarceration include: Information, referrals, and support to LGBT-friendly support services through the mail and by phone.
Services available to survivors after release include: STD testing, diagnosis, and treatment; Hepatitis A and B screening and immunization; other medical services, including breast and pelvic exams and a dental clinic; HIV counseling and testing; support groups for men, women, youth, and transgender people; general medical information and referrals; and advocacy services.
Fees: Vary. HGLHC requests $20 for HIV testing and counseling and $20 for STD testing and counseling, but no one is turned away due to a lack of funds. Information, support groups, and referrals are free.

New Haven Gay and Lesbian Community Center
P.O. Box 8914
New Haven, CT 06532
Office: (202) 387-2252
Office Hours: Evenings
Accept collect calls: No
Website: www.nhglcc.org
Email: nhglcc@gmail.com

The New Haven Gay and Lesbian Community Center (NHGLCC) advocates equality and justice by educating the community about gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) issues, and providing a safe and accessible place for all GLBT persons and their allies.

Rape Crisis Center of Milford, Inc.
70 West River Street
Milford, CT 06460
Office: (203) 874-8712
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4pm EST
Local Hotline: (203) 878-1212
Hotline Hours: 24 hours
Accept collect calls: No
Website: www.rapecrisisctr.org

The Rape Crisis Center of Milford is a non-profit social service agency working to end sexual violence through victim assistance, prevention, education, and public policy advocacy.

Service area: Ansonia, Derby, Milford, Orange, Seymour, Shelton, and West Haven
Work with: All survivors of sexual abuse and their concerned friends and family members
Service for survivors during incarceration include: Confidential crisis counseling via the 24-hour hotline or by mail; personal support and advocacy during the hospital exam following a sexual assault; and information and referrals for longer-term counseling, legal assistance, and medical assistance.
Services for survivors after release include: All of the above, as well as confidential short-term counseling, court advocacy, and support groups, when available.
Services for loved ones include: All of the above.
Fees: Free
Additional Information: Male counselors are available to provide services for male survivors, partners, fathers, and other family members.

Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury, Inc.
P.O. Box 1503
Waterbury, CT 06721
Office: (203) 575-0388
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4pm EST
Hotline: (203) 753-3613
Hotline Hours: 24 hours
Accept collect calls: No
Website: www.safehavengw.org
Email: dvoffice@earthlink.net

Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury provides free, confidential services for women, children, and men who have experienced domestic violence and sexual assault, including rape, incest, sexual harassment, or child sexual abuse.

Service area: Bethlehem, Cheshire, Middlebury, Naugatuck, Prospect, Southbury, Waterbury, Watertown, Wolcott, and Woodbury
Work with: Women, children, and men who have experienced domestic violence and sexual assault, including rape, incest, sexual harassment, or child sexual abuse
Service for survivors during incarceration include: Crisis counseling for survivors via the 24-hour hotline; accompaniment, support, and advocacy for survivors at St. Mary’s and Waterbury Hospitals; and information and support through the mail or by phone.
Services for survivors after release include: All of the above, as well as legal advocacy and accompaniment at police stations and courts; individual counseling; and support groups, including a group for male survivors of sexual assault.
Services for loved ones include: Crisis counseling for family, friends, and partners via the 24-hour hotline, as well as individual counseling and information and referrals.
Fees: Free
Additional Information: All services are confidential and available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Se ofrecen todos los servicios en ingles, español, y portugués. Todos os serviços são oferecidos em inglês, em espanhol, e o português.

Sexual Assault Crisis and Education Center
880 Canal Street, Suite 2B
Stamford, CT 06902
Office: (203) 348-9346
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm EST
Local Hotline: (203) 329-2929
Toll-free Hotline: (888) 999-5545
Línea de Ayuda Gratuita en Español: (888) 568-8332
Hotline Hours: 24 hours
Accept collect calls: Yes, on the office line
Website: www.sacec-ct.org
Email: info@sacec-ct.org

The Sexual Assault Crisis and Education Center (SACEC) provides free and confidential support services for anyone who has been affected by sexual violence.

Service area: Lower Fairfield County, which includes the towns of Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Norwalk, Stamford, Westport, Weston, and Wilton
Work with: Men, women, and children who have been affected by any form of sexual violence
Service for survivors during incarceration include: Crisis intervention and information via the 24-hour hotline or by mail; hospital accompaniment during forensic medical exams; and counseling by phone or by mail.
Services for survivors after release include: All of the above, as well as individual short-term counseling; support groups for women and men survivors; 24-hour personal accompaniment and advocacy at local hospitals and police stations; preparation, accompaniment, and advocacy through the court process for survivors who chose to report; and information and referrals.
Services for loved ones include: All of the above.
Fees: Free
Additional Information: SACEC will provide immediate crisis intervention to any survivor who contacts them. For survivors convicted of sex crimes, SACEC will provide appropriate referrals for ongoing support services. Bilingual staff are available. Hay consejeras hispanohablantes.

Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Eastern Connecticut
90 South Park Street
Willimantic, CT 06226
Office: (860) 456-3595
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm EST
Toll-free Hotline: (888) 999-5545
Hotline Hours: 24 hours
Accept collect calls: No
Website: www.saccec.org

The Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Eastern Connecticut (SACCEC) provides crisis intervention, advocacy, and counseling to survivors of sexual violence and to their friends and family members.

Service area: Windham and New London Counties, as well as the towns of Columbia, Coventry, Mansfield, Union, and Willington
Work with: Survivors of sexual assault and their concerned family and friends
Service for survivors during incarceration include: Crisis intervention, in English and Spanish, via the 24-hour hotline; 24-hour accompaniment to emergency rooms at all four hospitals in Windham and New London Counties to provide information and support in the aftermath of sexual abuse; and referrals for therapy, medical support, and general assistance via mail or by phone.
Services for survivors after release include: All of the above, as well as individual counseling and support for survivors, parents, partners, and other family members and friends; legal and judicial advocacy, including accompaniment to police departments; preparation, accompaniment, and advocacy throughout the court process; and support groups. Services for loved ones include: All of the above.
Fees: Free
Additional Information: Se habla español.

Susan B. Anthony Project
179 Water Street
Torrington, CT 06790
Office: (860) 489-3798
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm EST
Hotline: (860) 482-7133
Hotline Hours: 24 hours
Accept collect calls: Yes
Website: www.sbaproject.org
Email: info@sbaproject.org

Susan B. Anthony Project works to promote the autonomy of women and the safety of all survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault in Northwest Connecticut, as well as to promote community action toward ending domestic violence and sexual abuse.

Service area: Twenty towns in Northwestern Connecticut
Work with: All survivors of sexual abuse, including women, men, and children
Service for survivors during incarceration include: Crisis intervention and support via the 24-hour hotline, by mail, or by email; accompaniment to hospital emergency rooms during sexual assault exams; advocacy and support at police departments and courts; one-on-one supportive counseling in person or by phone; and information and referrals.
Services for survivors after release include: All of the above, as well as support groups for survivors of trauma, rape, child sexual assault, and other types of sexual assault.
Services for loved ones include: Crisis intervention and support.
Fees: Free
Additional Information: The Susan B. Anthony Project provides services for women who are incarcerated at McAuliffe Manor, including one-on-one peer counseling and support groups.

Women and Families Center
Contact Person: Carissa Simpson
169 Colony Street
Meriden, CT 06451
Office: (203) 235-9297
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm EST
Toll-free Hotline: (888) 999-5545
Línea de Ayuda Gratuita en Español: (888) 568-8332
Hotline Hours: 24 hours
Accept collect calls: No
Website: www.womenfamilies.org

Women and Families Center Sexual Assault Crisis Service provides free and confidential supportive services to survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones.

Service area: Middlesex County, Meriden, Walingford, Cheshire and Greater New Haven
Work with: Survivors of sexual abuse, including women, men, and transgender survivors, as well as their loved ones
Service for survivors during incarceration include: Crisis intervention and supportive information by mail or by phone via the 24-hour hotline and accompaniment and advocacy at emergency rooms during forensic examinations.
Services for survivors after release include: All the above, as well as short-term supportive counseling; group counseling for women, men, and transgender survivors; and information and referrals. The Women and Families Center offers specialized support services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) survivors through a partnership with the New Haven Gay and Lesbian Community Center. Support groups for lesbians, gay men, and transgender people are forming at the LGBT Community Center. Call 202-389-5010 for more information about these services.
Services for loved ones include: Crisis intervention via the 24-hour hotline; short-term counseling; support groups; and information and referrals.
Fees: Free
Additional Information: Women and Families will provide immediate crisis intervention to any survivor who contacts them. For survivors convicted of sex crimes, Women and Families will provide appropriate referrals for ongoing support services. Spanish-speaking and male counselors are available. Sign language interpreters are also available. Se habla español.

Women’s Center of Greater Danbury
2 West Street
Danbury, CT 06810
Office: (203) 731-5200
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm EST
Hotline: (203) 731-5204
Hotline Hours: 24 hours
Accept collect calls: Yes
Website: www.womenscenterofgreaterdanbury.org
Email: Womens.Cntr@snet.net

The Women's Center provides crisis services and community education to individuals, families, and organizations.

Service area: Bethel, Bridgewater, Brookfield, Danbury, Kent, New Fairfield, New Milford, Newtown, Redding, Ridgefield, Roxbury, Sherman, and Washington
Work with: Women, men, and children affected by sexual violence, including loved ones
Service for survivors during incarceration include: Crisis intervention via the 24-hotline or by mail; counseling by phone or by mail; hospital accompaniment during forensic examinations; and information on sexual assault and Women’s Center services.
Services for survivors after release include: All of the above, as well as in-person counseling and support groups; court and police advocacy; and referrals for an array of supportive resources including legal, medical, financial, housing services, and mental health care providers.
Services for loved ones include: All of the above.
Fees: Free

Women’s Center of Southeastern Connecticut
16 Jay Street
New London, CT 06320
Office: (860) 447-0366
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm EST
Toll-free Hotline: (888) 774-2900
Hotline Hours: 24 hours
Accept collect calls: No
Website: www.womenscenterofsect.org

Women’s Center of Southeastern Connecticut provides comprehensive services to survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.

Service area: New London and Norwich
Work with: All survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, as well as family and friends
Service for survivors during incarceration include: Crisis intervention via the 24-hour hotline or by mail and accompaniment and advocacy for survivors at hospitals, police departments, and courts.
Services for survivors after release include: All of the above, as well as individual counseling; support groups; health assessments by a registered nurse; and referrals for medical, psychological, financial, legal, and housing services.
Services for loved ones include: All of the above.
Fees: Free
Additional Information: Women’s Center of Southeastern Connecticut also operates an emergency shelter and transitional living program for women and families affected by domestic violence or sexual assault who are in need of safe, affordable housing and support services.

YWCA of New Britain Sexual Assault Crisis Services
P.O. Box 2545
New Britain, CT 06050
Hartford Office: (860) 241-9217
New Britain Office: (860) 225-4681
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-8pm and Saturday, 7am-3pm EST
Hartford Area Hotline: (860) 547-1022
New Britain Area Hotline: (860) 223-1787
Hotline Hours: 24 hours
Accept collect calls: No
Website: www.ywcanewbritain.org
Email: info@ywcanewbritain.org

The YWCA of New Britain Sexual Assault Crisis Services (SACS) offers free, confidential services for survivors of sexual assault and their loved ones.

Service area: Greater New Britain and Hartford region
Work with: All survivors of sexual assault and their loved ones
Service for survivors during incarceration include: Crisis intervention via the 24-hour hotlines or by mail; medical accompaniment to hospitals during forensic examinations; and information and referrals.
Services for survivors after release include: All of the above, as well as short-term counseling and support groups for survivors of sexual assault.
Services for loved ones include: Crisis intervention, short-term counseling, and information and referrals.
Fees: Free
Additional Information: SACS cannot provide ongoing support services for perpetrators of sexual violence, including rape, sexual assault, and incest, but is able to provide information and referrals to this population. Bilingual and male counselors are also available. Hay consejeras bilingües y consejeros.

LEGAL RESOURCES

American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut
32 Grand Street
Hartford, CT 06106
Office: (860) 247-9823
Website: www.acluct.org
Email: info@acluct.org

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Connecticut deals with complaints regarding violations of individuals' rights by the government and would like to hear from people who have been raped or sexually assaulted in jail or prison so that they can provide legal assistance. The ACLU of Connecticut does not return calls regarding legal assistance. Legal requests must be sent in writing. In less than two pages, you must describe what occurred, when and where it occurred, and who was involved. Remember to include a return address and a daytime telephone number. Do not send any supportive documents until you are asked for them. You will receive a response within three to four weeks. If you are unable to write, please call on Friday between 9am and 10am when volunteers are available.

Connecticut Bar Association, Lawyer Referral Information and Services 30 Bank Street
P.O. Box 350
New Britain, CT 06050
Office: (860) 223-4400
Website: www.ctbar.org
E-mail: ctbar@ctbar.org

The Connecticut Bar Association publishes an annual Guide to Connecticut Lawyers. The purpose of the Guide is to inform members and the public of the critical role lawyers play in the legal system and our communities and to provide guidance to the public on seeking and finding a lawyer. It contains listings of Connecticut lawyers by geographic area and practice area, as well as information on how to choose a lawyer and insights into buying or selling a home, wills and living trusts, divorce, land use issues, auto accident issues, criminal law issues, consumer rights, employee rights, and much more. The Connecticut Bar Association Guide to Connecticut Lawyers listings can be purchased or searched on-line at www.ctbar.org/article/Guide/.

Additionally, the following local and county Bar associations offer lawyer referral services to help individuals find an attorney in their county:

Hartford, Litchfield, Middlesex, Tolland and Windham
(860) 525-6052

Fairfield
(203) 335-4116

New Haven
(203) 562-5750

New London
(860) 889-9384

Lambda Legal: National Headquarters
120 Wall Street, Suite 1500
New York, NY 10005
Office: (212) 809-8585
Website: www.lambdalegal.org
E-mail: legalhelpdesk@lambdalegal.org

Lambda Legal is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people, and those with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work.

National Headquarters provides services for those who are located in Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington D.C and accepts Legal Help Desk calls at any time during regular business hours (9 am-5:30 pm) and also Monday evenings from 5:30-8pm.

If Help Desk staff are busy helping other callers, your call will be routed to the Legal Help Desk voicemail. Please leave the following information: name, state, contact info, best time to reach you, and a brief message outlining your legal inquiry. A Help Desk staff person will return your call. It is usually most efficient for Help Desk callers to contact Lambda Legal by phone. If you are in a place where you are not able to make long distance calls, Lambda can make an appointment to call you. If you are absolutely unable to call, you may e-mail Lambda at legalhelpdesk@lambdalegal.org or write to the addresses above.

Yale Law School, Jerome N. Frank Legal Services Organization
P.O. Box 209090
New Haven, CT 06520-9090
Office: (203) 432-4800
Website: www.law.yale.edu/academics/JeromeNFrankLSO.asp
E-mail: brett.dignam@yale.edu

The Jerome N. Frank Legal Services Organization (LSO) links law students with individuals and organizations in need of legal help who cannot afford private attorneys. Students, supervised by Law School faculty members and participating attorneys, interview clients, write briefs, prepare witnesses, try cases, negotiate settlements, draft documents and new legislation, participate in commercial transactions, arrange "deals," and argue appeals in state and federal courts, including the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and the Connecticut Supreme Court. LSO's work is divided into 9 major projects. The Prison Project represents men and women in state and federal prisons in Connecticut and focuses on claims involving conditions of confinement and complex federal litigation. Cases are handled on a limited basis. Requests for assistance should be mailed in writing with a brief description of the facts surrounding the incident that occurred.

JDI has directly contacted each organization listed in the Resource Guide in hopes of pointing survivors toward those currently accepting new clients. However, the inclusion of any group or individual in the Resource Guide does not necessarily constitute an endorsement or recommendation by JDI, nor can JDI guarantee the availability of the services described here.