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03/03/2021 06:00 AMIf you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, or experiencing intimate partner violence or domestic violence, help is available. Here are some resources:
• The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services, BHCare: Serves North Haven, Hamden, New Haven, East Haven, Branford, North Branford, Guilford, Madison, and areas nearby. Hotline numbers are 203-736-9944 and 203-789-8104. Toll-free 1-888-774-2900. To schedule an appointment or reach office staff, call 203-780-2037. Confidential email: UCDVS@bhcare.org.
• New Horizons: Serves Killingworth, Clinton, Westbrook, Old Saybrook, Deep River, Chester, Essex, Haddam, Middlefield, and areas nearby. 24/7 Hotline: 1-888-774-2900. Visit www.newhorizonsdv.com.
• Safe Futures: The New London area including Lyme and Old Lyme. Need help immediately? Call the 24/7 Support Line: 860-701-6001.
• CTSafeConnect: Need to connect to an advocate? Call, text, chat 24/7 888-774-2900
• Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741
• National Parent Hotline: call 1-855-427-2736
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: visit www.childhelp.org/childhelp-hotline or call 1-800-422-4453
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: visit thehotline.org, or text LOVEIS to 22522, or call 1-800-799-7233
• Futures Without Violence: visit www.futureswithoutviolence.org/resources-events/get-help
Technology Tips for Those Being Abused, and Those Who Want to Help Them
The Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence says, “Technology can assist victims and their children successfully flee violent batterers and stalkers, yet it is important to remember that technology can put a victim’s privacy and safety at risk.”
If you think your phone and/or computer are being monitored, consider using a computer at a friend’s house, public library, or a community center. The organization also recommends creating “an email account that doesn’t directly identify you—don’t use your full name since that can be easy for an abuser to figure out. Have more than one email account and use them for different purposes.
“If you feel that you are in immediate danger, please call 911,” the coalition continues. “You can also connect with a certified domestic violence advocate at Safe Connect by visiting CTSafeConnect.org or by texting/calling 888-774-2900.”
If you can safely access a computer, or want to provide guidance to someone so they can safely do so, visit www.ctcadv.org/find-help/staying-safe-technology.