WHAT IS SEXUAL ASSAULT?

Working to end violence

Anyone can be a victim of sexual assault or abuse – man or woman, adult or child, gay or straight – any race, any age, and any financial status.

There are many forms of sexual assault and abuse:

  • Stranger Rape
  • Acquaintance or Date Rape
  • Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault – using alcohol, legal or illegal drugs
  • Spouse or Partner Rape
  • Incest – assault by any family member
  • Child Sexual Assault – between adults and children or between children
  • Sexual Exploitation by Helping Professionals – any sexual contact by doctors, nurses, therapists, teachers, clergy, professors, lawyers, police, etc.
  • Sexual Harassment – which includes any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and any other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that affects people at work or school

At the same time, a victim may be experiencing other kinds of abuse or violence:

  • Dating Violence
  • Child Abuse
  • Domestic Violence – battering, physical emotional and/or verbal, stalking
  • Hate Crimes – any victimization of a person based on his or her race, religion, national origin, gender, or sexual orientation

Please call our Hotline at 203.731.5204 for help or more information if you or someone you know has concerns.

SEXUAL ASSAULT SERVICES

The Women’s Center helps victims of sexual assault in numerous ways:

Crisis Intervention
24-hour hotline dedicated to sexual assault 203.731.5204 and emergency shelter for women and children forced to flee from sexual violence occurring in their homes.

On-site Emergency Response
On-site emergency response to hospitals, police departments and in court.

Counseling & Support
We help victims defuse immediate crisis and implement safety plans.

Advocacy
We provide advocacy services at both an individual and system level.

COMMUNITY EDUCATION, PRIMARY PREVENTION & TRAINING

Our programs help men and women survivors of sexual assault through workshops, informational sessions and support groups.

  • Breaking the Silence:  For female survivors of sexual assault
  • Voices of Courage:  For male survivors of sexual assault
  • SOAR (Survivors Overcoming Abusive Relationships)
  • Reclaiming your self-esteem

Click here for a PDF for more information about each of the support groups we offer.

The Center is open 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Some evening and Saturday morning individual counseling appointments are available upon request.

Registration is required for all support groups. Call 203.731.5200 for schedule information and to register. All services and programs are free and confidential.