Join Us for The Center for Empowerment and Education’s Virtual Annual Meeting
Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at 7:00-8:00 PM
Crisis Intervention
The Center for Empowerment and Education (CEE) provides two 24-hour hotlines for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Walk-ins/Open appointments are available to individuals who are in crisis at our Main Office at 2 West Street, Danbury, CT 06810 Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm.
Services are available in your primary language with Bilingual, Trilingual Staff and Language Line services.
Our trained advocates provide on-site emergency response at area hospitals, police departments, courts and at other community agencies.
Services to help you right now:
On-Site Emergency Response
In hospitals, police departments, court and other community agencies, CEE is there providing on-site help, counseling, support, transportation and/or sheltering to victims.
Counseling and Support
CEE helps victims defuse an immediate crisis and implement safety plans, ensuring that their health and safety needs are met.
24-Hour Hotlines
Our 24-hour hotlines are dedicated to domestic violence crisis calls while the other is devoted to sexual assault crisis calls.
Walk-In Services
CEE offers walk-ins/open appointments at the 2 West Street facility Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm.
Our advocates will safety plan and help you or someone you know explore appropriate options and resources. This can include physical and emotional safety, it can also plan around immediate safety concerns. This can happen at our Main Office, at our satellite office at Western Connecticut State University for students, or on the phone via either of our 24 hour hotlines.
If you or someone you know experiences physical or sexual abuse that requires medical attention we will accompany you through the process in person at Danbury Hospital and New Milford Hospital.
- Domestic Violence-If you or someone you know experienced physical violence resulting in injuries such as head trauma or broken bones, our advocates are available 24/7 to respond to the hospital and support you. While there we can provide emotional support, safety plan, explore options including emergency sheltering and legal advocacy, and/or a schedule follow up for ongoing support services.
- Sexual Violence- Hospitals in CT are required by law to contact their local sexual assault agency when a patient requests the forensic evidence collection kit, even if the victim does not ask for (or denied the option for) an advocate to be present. If you or someone you know experienced sexual violence, our advocates are available 24/7 to respond to the hospital and support you. While there we will provide emotional support, safety plan, help you explore options surrounding a Forensic Evidence Kit up to 5 days (120 hours) after the assault, explore options including emergency sheltering and legal advocacy, and/or a schedule follow up for ongoing support services.
You have the right to…
- Be treated with respect and dignity
- Privacy. That means you can refuse to answer any questions about the sexual assault, your sexual orientation, your sexual history, your medical history (including HIV status), and your mental health history
- Have your conversations with a sexual assault counselor/advocate remain confidential
- Decide whether or not you want to report the assault to the police.
- Not be judged based on your race, age, class, gender, or sexual orientation
- Have a sexual assault counselor/advocate accompany you to medical, law enforcement and legal proceedings
- Request that someone you are comfortable with stay with you in the examination room
- Ask questions and get answers regarding any tests, exams, medications, treatments, or police reports
- Be considered a victim/survivor of sexual assault, regardless of the offender’s relationship to you
Our Family Violence Victim Advocates and Crisis Navigators are available to help victims of interpersonal violence navigate the civil and criminal legal system surrounding intimate partners, parents, children, someone they have or have had a dating relationship with, cohabitants in a spousal or sexual relationship, or the parent of their child(ren).
We can help explore options and provide legal advocacy in the form of understanding Protective Orders, Temporary Restraining Orders, and provide information about divorce and custody issues. Our Family Violence Victim Advocates are here to ensure that a victim’s voice is heard throughout the court process.
We are not permitted to give legal advice, but we can provide information about many aspects of court proceedings.
Our services at The Center for Empowerment and Education are confidential, with the exception of any mandated reports involving cases such as child or elderly abuse, and other circumstances where someone is at risk of imminent harm.
Protective Orders:
- Issued by a criminal court judge against a person who was arrested for domestic violence.
- There are three different levels of protective orders— Limited, Residential Stay Away, or a Full No Contact.
- Advocates are available during and following the arraignment to help victims navigate and understand their options as a victim of violence.
The protective order will last until the end of the criminal case. At some point in the criminal case, conditions can be modified by a judge if a motion is filed by the victim or the defendant. Only a judge can change an order. When a criminal case ends with a guilty plea, the victim is eligible for a Standing Criminal Protective Order which can last for a specific time.
Temporary Restraining Order:
- The Temporary Restraining Order is a civil court order for anyone being subjected to a continuous threat or present physical pain or injury, stalking, pattern of threatening or coercive control. It can also involve decisions about custody and orders of maintenance.
- A judge will decide whether or not the order is granted. If granted, the victim will receive an exparte (emergency) order on the same day it is filed. If denied, a court hearing date will be set for both parties to appear.
- Advocates will help victims navigate the Temporary Restraining Order process by assisting with the application and providing advocacy when it is filed.
There is no fee for filing a restraining order in court and the State pays for the marshals to serve them.
If you have any questions regarding the above information, please contact us.
Emergency Residential Services
We offer a safe and secure environment for individuals and families who are fleeing domestic and sexual violence.
Individuals and families residing in our facility are provided with case management and rehousing assistance.
Need emergency housing?
Call 203.731.5206
Need immediate help?
Success Story
Beth
In the deep cold of winter, Beth’s partner, provider, and her abuser, purposefully did not pay the energy bill. How would Beth keep herself and her three children warm without heat?
Where we Help
CEE is available to help anyone, though we focus on the following towns and zip codes.
Ongoing Support
Once a person in crisis is out of a dangerous situation, our services help clients transition toward a safe and stable reality.
Safety Planning
Making a plan to guide yourself or a loved one to safety is the first is an essential step to leaving a dangerous situation.
Get Help
The Center for Empowerment and Education (CEE) provides a safe and secure environment for victims of domestic and sexual violence.