OUR SERVICES

WORKING TO END VIOLENCE

Since our founding in 1975, The Center for Empowerment and Education has provided a safe haven as the sole provider of domestic abuse and sexual assault survivor services in the Northern Fairfield and Southern Litchfield county areas.  The organization serves over 30,000 individuals from our area communities with free and confidential services that are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Emergency Residential Facility

Since 1975, The Center has saved lives by offering a safe and secure environment for individuals and families who are victims of domestic and sexual violence. Individuals and families are served by our 13-bed facility, Patricia House, while men are provided safe housing in a separate location.

Counseling

We offer individual counseling and support groups for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault and for those dealing with other major life transitions such as separation, divorce, grief, loss, and self-esteem issues.

Community Education, Primary Prevention & Training

We firmly believe that the path toward ending the violence lies in education, and toward that end we provide educational programs free of charge throughout our communities – from pre-school aged children to senior citizens.  Primary prevention and education programs are provided in schools from pre-K through college level as well as to area businesses, social and civic groups, and faith-based organizations.  Programs include: Healthy Relationships, Anti-bullying, Staying Safe on College Campuses, Gender Images in the Media and more.

Information & Referrals

We support our clients with a network of available agencies and community resources. The Center’s referral system consists of many resources including legal, medical, financial, housing and mental health care providers.

Crisis Intervention

The Center provides two 24-hour hotlines for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, and our trained advocates provide on-site emergency response at area hospitals, police departments, courts and at other community agencies.  Walk-ins/Open appointments are available to individuals who are in crisis at our headquarters Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm.

Advocacy

Advocacy is provided to individuals with the goal of supporting, guiding and safety planning around unhealthy relationships and dangerous situations. Safety planning for someone involved in an abusive relationship is a necessary and important step. Planning can be done for those still with their abuser as well as for those whose relationship has ended.  Advocacy is available on-site at The Center headquarters, as well as our offices at Western Connecticut State University and Danbury Superior Court. Advocacy is also available at  hospitals and police departments within our 13-town service area.

Human Trafficking

The Center provides comprehensive assistance to all survivors of human trafficking. We educate our community on how to address human trafficking in our area, and provide free training and technical assistance to first-line responders, including: law enforcement, government agencies, other social service providers, community and faith-based organizations. We work to ensure survivors have access to the help and services they need.