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Meriden-Wallingford Chrysalis News

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Domestic Violence Services 14 West Main St., Meriden, CT 06451
Tel: (203) 630-1638 Fax: (203) 237-1097

Providing crisis intervention, support services, homelessness prevention, & advocacy to survivors of domestic violence. Continuum includes hotline (203.238.1501), 60-day emergency SafeHouse & 24-month transitional living program.

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NEW STATEWIDE HOTLINE AVAILABLE FOR SPANISH-SPEAKING VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

October 19, 2014

The new, toll-free hotline can be reached at: 860-831-9200. Certified domestic violence counselors who are fluent in both Spanish and English will answer the hotline 24 hours per day, seven days per week. "As Connecticut's Spanish-speaking population continues to grow, it is imperative that we offer culturally-sensitive services to members of this community that are suffering from domestic abuse," said Senator Dante Bartolomeo. "That first, crucial step to seek help can be very difficult. By providing this new hotline, we help knock down a language barrier that may have kept people from seeking assistance. I am so happy we could help secure this service and aid the incredible work being done by Chrysalis and the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence."

"The news about a Spanish language hotline dedicated to the Latino community is extremely critical and welcoming," Representative Cathy Abercrombie said. "We worked very diligently to secure funding to support the coalition's efforts and I couldn't be happier to see this new resource coming to fruition to assist in addressing domestic violence more effectively within this population."

The new Spanish hotline compliments the existing toll-free hotline, which still accepts calls from any victim of domestic violence, regardless of what language she or he speaks. Counselors answering either hotline are able to use Language Line, a national translation service that accommodates over 200 languages. However, CCADV prioritized the development of a dedicated Spanish hotline as Connecticut's Spanish-speaking population continues to grow. "We are extremely excited about the new hotline and outreach campaign," said Wendy Mota Kasongo, CCADV Director of Diversity and Accessibility. "Everyone's experience dealing with domestic violence is different, this can be particularly true as we look across cultures. It is our hope that by bolstering our efforts to reach the Latino community, more victims will feel comfortable coming to talk with us an explore safety options that fit their situation."

"When we review incidents ofintimate partner homicide, overwhelmingly those victims have not been connected to our services," said Sharlene Kerelejza, Executive Director of Meriden-Wallingford Chrysalis, which provides safety and support services to victims of domestic violence. "A statewide Spanish hotline available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week removes one critical obstacle towards safety for Latinos we serve in our community." CCADV has prioritized advocacy for funding for a dedicated Spanish-hotline, which was allocated earlier this year by the General Assembly through the Judicial Branch Office of Victim Services. The funding that made this hotline possible was secured by Meriden's legislative delegation working alongside their colleagues in the legislature.

"Domestic violence has no language or ethnicity, however, our Latino community faces harder challenges when faced with the shortage of bilingual services when seeking support," Representative Hilda Santiago said. "There are serious cultural and societal concerns that get in the way ofthose reaching out for help. I am glad there is now a dedicated number for victims to find the assistance they need."

"I support anything the state can do in our efforts to curb domestic violence and, through this Spanish language hotline, we will expand accessibility to services," Representative Buddy Altobello said.

Meriden Wallingford Chrysalis, located in downtown Meriden, offers services free of charge to anyone who has suffered domestic abuse, regardless of when it happened or the circumstances. Chrysalis offers a variety of Community-based support services, including in-person or phone counseling, educational resources, and support group meetings for women and their children. Additionally, Chrysalis offers assistance with medical, legal, judicial or social services systems, and safety planning services that include a short-term emergency shelter and a transitional living program.

Anyone needing help with domestic violence can call either toll-free statewide hotline: 844.831.9200 (Spanish) or 888-774-2900 (English). Both hotlines are available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week; all services are free and confidential. Victims speaking any language can seek assistance through either hotline. Victims will be connected to their local domestic violence organization where they can find, among other resources, counseling, safety planning, emergency shelter or safe homes, group support, services for children and advocacy within the court system.

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