What the Simsbury Police Department Wants You to Know About Domestic Violence

The Simsbury Police Department’s Facebook page recently linked to this news release from the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence posted on the town government website:

Marking the beginning of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) will launch a new statewide hotline on Oct. 1, 2014 aimed at strengthening access to services for Spanish-speaking victims of domestic violence.

The new toll-free hotline number - 844.831.9200 - will be answered 24 hours per day, 7 days per week by certified domestic violence counselors who are fluent in both Spanish and English.

“CCADV and our 18 member organizations are committed to providing the best possible service to all victims of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds,” said Karen Jarmoc, CCADV Chief Executive Officer. “It is incredibly important that someone on the other end of the phone not only speaks the same language as you, but also understands how culture can impact your experience.”

The new Spanish hotline will complement the existing toll-free statewide hotline, which will still be available to accept calls from any victim of domestic violence regardless of what language she or he speaks.

Counselors answering either hotline are able to use Language Line, a national translation service that accommodates over 200 languages. However, CCADV prioritized the development of a dedicated Spanish hotline as Connecticut’s Spanish-speaking population continues to grow.

Hartford Mayor Pedro E. Segarra will help launch the hotline on Oct. 1 at CCADV’s biennial conference,Strengthening Access for All Victims. “This is an important resource, not only for many residents of Hartford, but for Connecticut’s entire Latino community,” said Mayor Segarra. “The more barriers we eliminate the better so victims of domestic abuse can have access to support, guidance or any other service they need 24 hours a day.”

The launch of the new hotline will be supported by a statewide campaign - “Vida...hay opciones para violencia domestica” or “Life...there are options for domestic violence.” Culturally relevant materials designed specifically for Spanish-speaking individuals will be distributed throughout the state to help raise awareness about the new resource.

Outreach efforts will also include partnerships with local government and other community partners as we work together to eliminate barriers to service for all victims of domestic violence.

“We are extremely excited about the new hotline and outreach campaign,” said Wendy Mota Kasongo, CCADV Director of Diversity and Accessibility. “Everyone’s experience dealing with domestic violence is different, this can be particularly true as we look across cultures. It is our hope that by bolstering our efforts to reach the Latino community, more victims will feel comfortable coming to talk with us and explore safety options that fit their situation.”

CCADV has prioritized advocacy for funding for a dedicated Spanish-hotline, which was allocated earlier this year by the General Assembly through the Judicial Branch Office of Victim Services. Funding was secured in large part by Senator Beth Bye (D-West Hartford) and Representatives Toni Walker (D-New Haven), Mae Flexer (D-Killingly) and Cathy Abercrombie (D-Meriden).

Anyone needing help with domestic violence can call either the toll-free statewide hotline: 844.831.9200 (Spanish) or 888-774-2900 (English). Both hotlines are available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week; all services are free and confidential. Victims speaking any language can seek assistance through either hotline. Victims will be connected to their local domestic violence organization where they can find, among other resources, counseling, safety planning, emergency shelter or safe homes, group support, services for children and advocacy within the court system.

Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Inc. is a membership organization made up of the state’s 18 domestic violence agencies. Help is available to victims 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Each agency offers free services to victims including a toll-free hotline, safety through shelter, counseling and support groups, and by assisting in securing a restraining order. If you or someone you know needs support, call the statewide free and confidential hotlines at 888-774-2900 (English) or 844-831-9200 (Español) to be connected to your local domestic violence agency. For more information about CCADV visit us online at www.ctcadv.org.

Photo from the CCADV website.