The Gail Burns-Smith “Dare to Dream” Fund was established in 2004 upon the retirement of former CONNSACS Executive Director Gail Burns-Smith to honor her 22 years of service dedicated to ending sexual violence. The Fund is a scholarship/stipend granted annually to an individual whose work or study in the field of sexual violence most exemplifies Gail’s commitment to anti-sexual assault awareness, policy, prevention, and advocacy on behalf of victims and survivors.
Advocating for improved sexual assault data and reporting in Connecticut
A recent WFSB report by journalist Sam Smink highlights the rise in sexual assault cases in Connecticut and the barriers survivors face within the criminal legal system due to a lack of data. The stories of survivors like Abigail—who had to fight for over six months...