Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Sexual Assault Crisis Member Center?

Each sexual assault crisis member center is an individual community-based organization funded through Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence. All member centers are staffed by certified sexual assault crisis counselors and are held to The Alliance’s Member Agency Criteria and Standards of Operation.

What Services are Provided at Member Centers?

Our member centers provide 24-hour hotline services with immediate access to certified counselors; crisis intervention, counseling and support groups; accompaniment and advocacy through the medical and police systems; preparation, accompaniment and advocacy throughout the court system; information and referrals for other social and legal services; professional training, community education and prevention programs; Text Telephone (TTY) access during normal office hours; Relay Connecticut TTY services available after hours at 7-1-1 or 1-800-842-9710; sign language interpreters and bilingual staff members; emergency transportation by arrangement; and female, male, and gender non-conforming counselors.

How Much Do These Services Cost?

All direct services are free of charge. The statewide hotline is toll-free. By dialing 1-888-999-5545 from anywhere in Connecticut, the call will automatically be routed to the nearest sexual assault crisis member center. Para Espanol, llame 1-888-568-8332. There may be a fee for certain trainings and education programs. For more on those, visit our Training and Advocacy Center webpage.

Who Can Use These Services?

Victims and survivors of any type of sexual violence, including sexual assault, child sexual abuse, incest, sexual harassment, stalking and so on can use these services. Even if the assault happened a long time ago, survivors can use these services. Female, male and gender non-conforming victims can use these services. Family, friends, partners and parents of victims can also access these services.

Please note that The Alliance and its member centers may not be able to assist those living outside of Connecticut. We encourage you to seek out your state’s coalition so that you can received support locally.

Is What I Say Kept Confidential?

All sexual assault crisis counselors adhere to the Connecticut law (CGS Sec. 52-146 k) which ensures confidentiality for any communication between a sexual assault counselor and a sexual assault victim. All centers have a written confidentiality policy. The Alliance is “line-blocking” on all phone lines and its phone number will not appear on Caller IDs.

Who Are Certified Sexual Assault Crisis Counselors?

Our certified sexual assault crisis counselors include any person who works for an Alliance sexual assault crisis member center and has been certified in accordance with Connecticut State Statute 52-146 k. Our certified sexual assault crisis counselors have successfully completed a minimum 40-hours of training and receive at least 4 hours of advanced training annually. They are under the direct supervision of staff at the sexual assault crisis center they trained at and their primary purpose is to provide advocacy, support, information, referrals, crisis counseling and other types of assistance to victims of sexual violence.