Victims of Crime in Connecticut Have Rights which are protected by Law

IF YOU ARE A VICTIM OF FAMILY VIOLENCE YOU CAN EXPECT:

Criminal Actions:

  • A police officer has the responsibility to decide whether or not to make an arrest; an officer can arrest with or without your consent if (s)he believes a crime has been committed.
  • You have the right to request the arrest of an offender and the right to file a complaint with the police.
  • A person arrested for a family violence crime must appear in court the next court day, at which time a victim can request a protective order.
  • There are family violence victim advocates in each court to provide services and support to victims. Family Violence Intervention Units in each court evaluate cases and provide services for both victims and offenders.
  • You can contact the clerk of the court to know the court dates of the offender. You are encouraged to keep in touch with the victim advocate or family relations to see which court hearings are important for you to attend.

Civil Actions:

  • To obtain a court order to stop further physical injury or harassment contact the court clerk, family violence victim advocate or a lawyer.

IF YOU ARE OR HAVE BEEN ABUSED...
MAKE A SAFETY PLAN

  • Talk to someone you trust about the abuse.
  • Have a code or signal so neighbors/friends will when to call for help.
  • Have someone take pictures of your injuries and keep them in a safe place.
  • Hide keys. money, clothes, medicine and important papers for easy retrieval in case of emergency.
  • Keep copies of protection and restraining orders with you at all times.
  • Keep change for pay phones, a pre-paid calling card, or a charged cell phone with you at all times.
  • Open your own bank account.
  • Plan ways of escape in the event of a violent incident.
  • CALL 911 if you need help right away, and teach your children how to call 911.

    You do not deserve to be abused, but leaving an abuser can be dangerous.
    Protect yourself and your children.

    Domestic Violence Crisis Center Helpline 1-888-774-2900
    National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE(7233)

All Victims Have Rights that Include:

  • ASSISTANCE in obtaining immediate medical care, if required.

  • THE RIGHT TO REQUEST TO BE NOTIFIED of court proceedings; including arrest, arraignment, and release of the offender.

  • THE RIGHT FOR A TIMELY DISPOSITION of the case after the arrest of the accused.

  • THE RIGHT TO BE PROTECTED from harassment from an employer for appearing as a witness if you have received a subpoena.

  • THE RIGHT TO GET INFORMATION on services and agencies that help victims

  • THE RIGHT TO HAVE PROPERTY RETURNED if it was seized by police in the investigation or prosecution of the crime committed against you.

  • THE RIGHT TO MAKE AN APPLICATION FOR COMPENSATION for any bodily injuries you have suffered as a result of the crime.

  • THE RIGHT TO REQUEST TO BE INFORMED of services and agencies that can help you – including the assistance of a Victim Advocate.

  • THE RIGHT TO BE TREAT WITH FAIRNESS AND RESPECT throughout the criminal justice system process.

CRIMINAL SERVICES:

Darien Police Domestic Violence Liaisons (203)662-5300 ext 5327 or DVLiaison@darienct.gov
Darien Department of Social Services (203) 656-7328
Darien Department of Youth Commission (203) 656-7326

Domestic Violence Projects (24 Hour Hotlines)

To contact the family violence victim advocate, and for shelter, counseling and other services.

  • Bridgeport (203)334-6154
  • Greenwich (203)622-0003
  • Norwalk (203) 852-1980
  • Stamford (203) 357-8162
  • CCADV 24 hours 1-888-774-2900

Sexual Assault Crisis Program (24 Hour Hotline for adults and children)

  • Bridgeport (203) 333-2233
  • Norwalk (203) 838-7303
  • Stamford (203) 329-2929
  • Care-Line (Child Abuse) 1-800-842-2288