Domestic Violence Resources in Connecticut
Last updated September 5, 2026
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence in Connecticut, help is available right now. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—advocates can connect you with local shelters, safety planning support, and resources specific to Connecticut. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Connecticut has a network of domestic violence organizations funded and coordinated in part through the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV), the state's leading domestic violence coalition. CCADV member programs are located in every region of the state and offer emergency shelter, advocacy, legal assistance, and support groups at no cost to survivors. The quickest way to find your nearest member program is to call the National DV Hotline or dial 2-1-1, Connecticut's free statewide helpline available around the clock.
Beyond immediate safety, many survivors need help with housing, income, healthcare, and legal protection. Connecticut's public benefit programs—including Medicaid, SNAP, and state-administered rental assistance—can provide a critical financial foundation while you rebuild. This guide walks through the key resources available and how to access them.
Key programs in Connecticut
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Confidential crisis support, safety planning, and referrals to local Connecticut shelters and advocacy programs, available 24/7 in multiple languages. You can also chat online at thehotline.org.
How to access: Call 1-800-799-7233 (TTY: 1-800-787-3224) or text START to 88788 at any time, day or night.
Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) Member Programs
Regional domestic violence programs across Connecticut offering emergency shelter, safety planning, legal advocacy, support groups, children's services, and help navigating public benefits—all free and confidential for survivors.
How to access: Call the National DV Hotline (1-800-799-7233) or dial 2-1-1 to be connected with the CCADV member program serving your county. You can also visit ctcadv.org to find a local program directly.
2-1-1 Connecticut
Connecticut's free, statewide information and referral service that can connect survivors with local shelter openings, food assistance, emergency financial help, mental health services, childcare, and more.
How to access: Dial 2-1-1 from any phone, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also text your ZIP code to 898-211 or visit 211ct.org to search resources online.
Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) – SNAP, Medicaid & Cash Assistance
DSS administers federal and state benefit programs including SNAP (food assistance), Medicaid (health coverage), and Temporary Family Assistance (TFA) for income-eligible Connecticut residents. Survivors fleeing abuse may qualify for expedited processing.
How to access: Apply online at connect.ct.gov, call DSS at 1-855-626-6632, or visit a local DSS office. A domestic violence advocate at a CCADV program can help you apply and understand your rights.
HUD-Funded Emergency Shelter & Transitional Housing (via Continuum of Care)
HUD funds a network of emergency shelters and transitional housing programs for survivors of domestic violence across Connecticut through local Continuums of Care. These programs can bridge the gap between crisis shelter and stable permanent housing.
How to access: Call 2-1-1 or the National DV Hotline to be connected with funded shelter and housing programs in your area. Your local CCADV advocate can also help you navigate housing options and applications.
Domestic Violence Resources resources for Connecticut
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Nationwide24/7 confidential support, safety planning, and local referrals for those affected by relationship abuse.
StrongHearts Native Helpline
NationwideCulturally appropriate domestic and sexual violence support for Native Americans and Alaska Natives.
loveisrespect
NationwideSupport for young people to prevent and end dating abuse. Call, text (LOVEIS to 22522), or chat.
Other resources in Connecticut
- Housing Assistance in Connecticut
- Food Assistance in Connecticut
- Utility Assistance in Connecticut
- Transportation Assistance in Connecticut
- Funeral & End-of-Life Assistance in Connecticut
- Mental Health Resources in Connecticut
- Disability Resources in Connecticut
- Veteran Resources in Connecticut
- Child & Family Assistance in Connecticut
- Senior Resources in Connecticut