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2022 ANNUAL REPORTSafety. Healing. Hope.

LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVEDIRECTOR2022 Dear Friends, No one enters a relationship imagining they could someday be abused by theperson they love. Yet, one in four women and one in seven men will experiencedomestic violence during their lifetime. Despite all the media attention given tothis issue during the pandemic, domestic violence remains a pervasive publichealth crisis. The Domestic Violence Crisis Center takes a victim-centered, trauma-informedapproach to serve our clients. We provide 24-hour crisis intervention, but inmany cases, our service just begins there. DVCC offers ongoing support to helpclients find comprehensive solutions to the complex problems caused bydomestic violence. I am proud to share that our organization helped 3,865individuals create safer lives for themselves and their children last year. Webelieve educating our youth about healthy relationships is essential to breakgenerational cycles of abuse and build a safer community for all. Last year ouryouth prevention education program reached an astonishing 9,294 youth withjust one full-time prevention educator. “At DVCC, we are helping victims findcomprehensive solutions to the complex problemscaused by domestic violence.”

2022I attribute the growth and success of our programs in FY2022 to the excellence,professionalism, and commitment our staff demonstrated daily. It was thecompassion of the safe house manager who came back to check on a residentat 3 am. It was the dedication of the housing advocate who worked withcountless landlords to help find an affordable, clean apartment for a singlemother with four young children. It was the caring advocate who met atraumatized victim at the emergency room and safety planned with herfollowing a dangerous attack by her partner. The accomplishments of this year would not have been possible without theincredible generosity of our supporters and volunteers, who providedeverything from critical program funding to donations of food, diapers, andmany other basic needs. Your kindness made a difference in so many lives. I am thrilled to share this snapshot of DVCC’s work over the past year, and I amso grateful for this community. Together, we helped many make their waybeyond crisis to safer environments where healing can take place and hope isrestored. S U Z A N N E A D A MExecutive DirectorSuzanne Adam

Domestic Violence Crisis Center(DVCC) is here tosupport individuals on their journey to safety. DVCCadvocates for individuals who are experiencing abuse inpersonal relationships. Our multiple services andprofessional staff help those experiencing any level ofdomestic violence and assist them in building a saferenvironment for the well-being of themselves and theirfamilies. All victim services are free and confidential.Services offered are multicultural/multilingual andinclusive of individuals of all identities.Ourmission is to provide effectiveservices, support and education for theprevention and elimination of domesticviolence across the Connecticutcommunities of Stamford, Norwalk,Darien, New Canaan, Weston, Westport,Wilton, and beyond.

Our services...

SAFE HOUSINGVICTIM SERVICESDVCC provided 12,954 bed nights to domestic violencevictims through our safe housing.We provided shelter for 85 adults and 68 children. 57.5 days was the average length of stay at the safe houses95% of clients reported feeling safe from their abuser whilestaying in DVCC's safe houses. 82% report that they know more about communityresources. 100% of clients report that their basic needs of food anddiapers were met while in DVCC safe housing. How many did we serve? 3,865 victims96% of victims received safety planning servicesCRISIS INTERVENTIONLethality Assessment Program567 screens were completed by law enforcement officers with victims47% of victims screened as high danger99% of high danger calls were connected to DVCC for safety planningand follow up with the victim.

SAFE HOUSINGVICTIM SERVICESDVCC provided 12,954 bed nights to domestic violencevictims through our safe housing.We provided shelter for 85 adults and 68 children. 57.5 days was the average length of stay at the safe houses95% of clients reported feeling safe from their abuser whilestaying in DVCC's safe houses. 90% of clients in safe housing know more about planning fortheir safety with their safety plan. 82% report that they know more about community resourcesas a result of accessing domestic violence services. 100% of clients report that their basic needs of food anddiapers were met while in DVCC safe housing. How many did we serve? 3,865 victims96% of victims received safety planning servicesCRISIS INTERVENTIONLethality Assessment Program567 screens were completed by law enforcement officers with victims47% of victims screened as high danger99% of high danger calls were connected to DVCC for safety planningand follow up with the victim.57.5days

Marina was lured into a relationship thinking shewas dating a “nice, normal guy” but after moving inwith him, she learned he was in a gang and heforced her to do sex work. She endured a year ofphysical and sexual abuse from her partner as wellas being a victim of sex trafficking. One day, afterhe left the apartment, she saw an opportunity toescape. She ran away and called the DVCC hotline.The advocate acted fast – she instructed her toturn off her phone location to avoid being tracedand immediately sent a car to take her to the safehouse. The safe house staff welcomed her andgave her fresh clothes, toiletries and a hot meal.Feeling safe for the first time in over twelvemonths, she was able to begin healing from heremotional and physical trauma with the support ofher DVCC counselor. Her legal advocate helped herunderstand what would happen next in thecriminal court. Her sustainability advocate helpedher set goals for her future including a plan forfinishing college. The abuser is now behind bars. Marina moved to an apartment and has a job as ahealth care worker. She is taking classes towardher degree and hopes to become a registerednurse. Despite the challenges she has faced,Marina feels hopeful for the future. SAFETY

Marina was lured into a relationship thinking she was dating a “nice,normal guy” but after moving in with him, she learned he was in agang and he forced her to do sex work. She endured a year ofphysical and sexual abuse from her partner as well as being a victimof sex trafficking. One day, after he left the apartment, she saw anopportunity to escape. She ran away and called the DVCC hotline.The advocate acted fast – she instructed her to turn off her phonelocation to avoid being traced and immediately sent a car to take herto the safe house. The safe house staff welcomed her and gave herfresh clothes, toiletries and a hot meal.Feeling safe for the first time in over twelve months, she was able tobegin healing from her emotional and physical trauma with thesupport of her DVCC counselor. Her legal advocate helped herunderstand what would happen next in the criminal court. Hersustainability advocate helped her set goals for her future including aplan for finishing college. The abuser is now behind bars. Marinamoved to an apartment and has a job as a health care worker. She istaking classes toward her degree and hopes to become a registerednurse. Despite the challenges she has faced, Marina feels hopeful forthe future. SAFETY

LEGAL ADVOCACY3,103 victims of family violence in our catchment area receivedinformation from our advocates about our services and their rights asvictims in the criminal justice system. VICTIM SERVICES1,785 victims received civil and criminal advocacy services in FY 22HOUSING & FINANCIALSUSTAINABILITY SERVICES 236 clients received Housing & Financial Sustainability Services86% of clients increased their skills for money management & creditimprovement, prioritizing debt repayments 86% of clients gained access to affordable housing resources or resourcesto maintain existing housing.74% of clients achieved a short-term financial goal This journey has not been easy but with the help of my advocate, all of mystress and worries were at ease. I felt she was sincere, friendly, caring, patient,and helpful. She never made me feel she was helping me because it was a partof her job ; she really went above and beyond. She listened to me andunderstood me. I am forever grateful for her as well as the program. Thisprogram helped me provide a happy and stable roof over my son’s head. I trulyhope DVCC continues to help others in need because without the services andguidance I am not sure where I would be today.

Shortly after arriving in the U. S., Isla met a manwho spoke her native language. They instantlybonded and fell in love. They moved in togetherand Isla was overjoyed when she learned she waspregnant. At first, it all seemed like a dream butafter she became pregnant, her partner startedemotionally and physically abusing her. Hewatched her every move, kept her isolated, andthreatened to kill her if she told anyone about theabuse. Terrified of what life would be like for herunborn daughter, she knew she had to leave him. When he discovered her plan, he brutally attackedher and then fled. A neighbor drove her to theemergency room. Her baby was unharmed but sheknew it was too dangerous to return. The policeconnected her with a DVCC. Her sustainabilityadvocate helped her apply for the Rapid Re-Housing program. Her legal advocate helped herobtain a restraining order. When her abuser beganstalking her at work, the police were contactedabout the violation of the restraining order. Hersustainability advocate negotiated a transfer withher employer and helped her find a new safe andaffordable place to live. Isla is healing from hertrauma while building a peaceful new life forherself and her daughter. HEALING

Legal AdvocacyADULT COUNSELINGVICTIM SERVICESof individual counseling clients enhanced their healthy coping skills. of group counseling clients reported a decreased sense of isolation and loneliness. "DVCC saved my life, they helped me find strength inside myself I never knew I had," -- Survivor, Counseling ClientYOUTH & FAMILY COUNSELING144 clients served- 95 children and 49 parents 100% of child clients were able to identify healthy emotion regulation skillswhen feeling sad, angry or anxious.93% of child clients increased their understanding of domestic violencedynamics."Counseling is so important for me. I want to succeed in all areas of my life and notlet my trauma control me. I feel hopeful now." -- 16 year old client"The best trained therapists work for DVCC. [Our counselor] has been exceptionalin every way... She is very knowledgeable about abuse in all its forms and hasgiven my children the tools to affirm, advocate and create the safety andboundaries they need.” - Parent and Survivor "My counseling sessions have already had a significant positive impact on me. I usethe skills I’ve learned daily to cope when I feel afraid and anxious daily. I’m advocating for myself and my child more than ever." -- Survivor, Counseling Client"[My counselor] was not only understanding of my situation moreover, gaveencouraging advice. I highly recommend [my counselor] to anyone dealing withdomestic violence as she guides her clients through the healing process. She also was acalming presence. Thank you for everything."-- Survivor, Counseling Client 97%92%

Shanae, a mother of two young children, sufferedphysical, verbal and financial abuse from herhusband. He controlled the bank accounts, kepther paycheck earnings from her, and took outmultiple credit cards in her name, accumulatingmore than $50,000 in debt without her knowing. Ifshe questioned him about the bills or asked forany spending money he would become verballyand physically abusive. When he left her and refused to pay child support,she sought help from the Housing and FinancialSustainability program at DVCC. Shanae receivedassistance in finding affordable housing andimproving her credit score through the AllstateFoundation's financial abuse education curriculum(part of a grant awarded to DVCC) and applying forthe Independence Project micro-loan program ( anNNEDV project). She was approved for the micro-loan and will repay it over ten months to improveher credit score. She was able to move to a newapartment with her two children. Today, Shanaeand her children are living free from abuse. She isbuilding a hopeful, financially secure future for thethree of them. HOPE

PREVENTION EDUCATION"This was one of the first school presentations about domestic abuseand dating abuse that seemed real and legit..not just how adults thinkabout teen dating abuse." - Weston HS Student QUOTE HERE 491 Prevention education, training & outreach programs36 adults programs reaching 1,548 adults 455 youth programs reaching 9,294 youthAfter participating in DVCC's prevention education programs:86% of youth demonstrated an increase in knowledge of healthyrelationship qualities/signs 92% were able to recognize red flags in a relationship100% of teachers and school administrators would recommend DVCC'sprevention education programs to a friend or colleague " My students have definitely used the skills they learned andconsistently refer back to lessons that were presented." - Middle School Teacher"[The program] teaches our students about how to control theiremotions and how to work with and problem solve with others. With aglobal pandemic having taken over much of their early childhood, theselife skills are very valuable." - Elementary School Teacher

Racial, Equity and Expansion at DVCCInclusion and equality are among DVCC’s core values. We are committed to providingservices that are welcoming and affirming to individuals of all races, colors, religions,gender identities, gender expressions, ages, national origins, ethnicities, abilities, socio-economic levels, cultures, languages, and sexual orientations. As a trauma-informedorganization, we acknowledge the trauma inflicted by racism, both individual and systemic,on domestic violence survivors and communities. This is often compounded with thetrauma from experiencing domestic violence. DVCC strives to break down barriersassociated with racial inequities and continues to work with survivors to understand andaddress how these factors may impact their healing process.In 2021, DVCC created a Racial Equity and Expansion Committee. Its purpose is to providetraining and educational opportunities for our staff and seek ways to improve our services. % of staff members who are on the REE Committee at DVCCIn FY 22 the REE Committee did monthly staff workshops:July 2021: IPV & BIPOC LGBTQ CommunityAugust 2021- Calling 911 Barriers & AlternativesSeptember 2021: Privilege Activity October 2021- Hispanic Heritage MonthNovember 2021- Indigenous Peoples Month Dec 2021- Traditional Food @ Holiday Party & recipes distributedMarch 2022- Black History Month discussion around pros and consApril 2022- Racism & Affordable Housing"Being a part of the REE Committee at DVCC has been a positive and rewardingexperience. Our training has made me more effective at my job as I have learned aboutso many ways that race and ethnicity can impact a domestic violence victim's ability toreceive services." -DVCC staff and REE committee member

2022 LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACYAdd a subheadingGovernor Lamont visits DVCCOn March 4, Governor Lamont held a press conference our offices where headdressed the critical need for services to help domestic violence and sexualassault victims. He urged legislators to support his budget, spotlighting the $18million proposed funding to fill a gap in victim services and expand emergencyhousing assistance for survivors of domestic violence. Stamford Mayor, Caroline Simmons, Marc Pelka, Undersecretary, Office of Policyand Management, State Representative, Corey Paris, State Senator, Ryan Fazio,Meghan Scanlon, President and CEO of CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence,Beth Hamilton, Executive Director of Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence,Mary Flynn, Executive Director of The Rowan Center and our own ExecutiveDirector, Suzanne Adam all spoke at the event. Following the press conference, the Governor toured one of DVCC’s safe houses. “We were honored to have the Governor hold his press conference at our officetoday and take the time to tour one of our safe houses,” said Suzanne Adam.“We are grateful for his commitment to supporting victims through this criticalfunding.”

COMMUNITY AWARENESSDVCC’s Prevention Educators andNew Canaan Police Departmentteamed up to present to NewCanaan High School students forMental Health Awareness Month. In recognition of May as Mental Health Awareness Month, our preventioneducation team, led by Nikkia Ellis, joined members of the New Canaan PoliceDepartment to host a tabling event at New Canaan High School. The table featureda number of interactive activities to help start a conversation about an often-stigmatized topic, mental health. “We know that there is a positive correlation between healthy relationships and mental health. Numerous studies have shown that being in ahealthy relationship helps individuals relieve stress, allows a safe place to processemotions, causes fewer relapses in depression, and provides a greater sense ofpurpose,” said Nikkia. DVCC’s Prevention Education team created a “Relationship Checkup” activity forstudents. Each student was asked to select a relationship scenario and place itsomewhere on the relationship spectrum based on whether they felt it was healthy,unhealthy, or abusive. “The activity generated a lot of great discussion among the students about whathealthy relationships should look like and how unhealthy and abusive behaviorsuch as possessiveness and gaslighting can have a negative impact on a person'smental health,” she said. “It was great to watch students use positive peer pressureto encourage their friends to make healthier decisions in their relationships.”

VOLUNTEERSThree Generations Volunteering togetherto help others find hope and healing fromabuse. DVCC Advisory Board Member, Amy Tisler,her son Jake, and her mother prepared aMother’s Day feast for DVCC’s safe houseresidents. The family prepared spiral bakedham, a ziti casserole, baked beans, salad,dinner rolls, and homemade desserts. Theyalso gave each mother a beautiful braceletwith the inscription, “You are strong.” Amy’s mother is a survivor of domesticviolence. She left her abuser long ago and hasnow been happily married for more than fiftyyears. She chose the bracelets to remind thewomen of their own beauty, strength, andresilience. “My mother felt it was important to remindsurvivors of this, especially at this criticalpoint in their recovery from abuse,” Amy said. The family finds volunteering at DVCC is a way for them to share hope and optimismthat recovery and a happy, new life are possible after abuse. Amy recently served on the Voices of Courage luncheon committee. Jake has doneseveral service projects for DVCC. Earlier this year, he created “Keychains of Hope,” aproject which provides custom key chains to survivors moving on to a newapartment. He and a group of friends created the custom key chains with inspiringmessages for DVCC’s clients. As the boys worked on the key chains, Jake’sgrandmother spoke with the boys, sharing her story as a survivor. “She hasn't spoken much about her abuse over the years,” Amy said. “By workingwith him, and me, on projects that raise awareness and support survivors, he's notonly helping those currently going through abuse, but he's also helping her heal oldwounds.” If you would like to learn more about volunteer opportunities at DVCC contact AnitaLai at alai@dvccct.org.

3,8651,78514423612,9549,2941,548OUR IMPACTVICTIMS SERVEDVICTIMS RECEIVED HOUSING & FINANCIAL ADVOCACYBED NIGHTS PROVIDED IN SAFE HOUSES &HOTELSVICTIMS RECEIVED CIVIL & CRIMINAL ADVOCACYVICTIMS RECEIVED YOUTH & FAMILY COUNSELINGYOUTH REACHED THROUGH EDUCATION PROGRAMSADULTS RECEIVED TRAINING &EDUCATION PROGRAMS491TRAINING & EDUCATION PROGRAMSFY 2022

FINANCIALSIncomeGovernment63.2%Private Contributions18.1%Fundraising Events14.8%Other Income3.9%Government: $2,198,340Private Contributions: $627,903Fundraising Events: $515,040Other Income: $135,431Total Income: $3,476,714ExpensesDirect Services47.1%Safe Housing33.4%Administration8.8%Prevention Education5.9%Direct Services: $1,595,334Safe Housing: $1,130,027Prevention Education: $199,415Administration: $299,128Fundraising: $159,964Total Expenses: $3,383,868Fundraising 4.8%

DVCC LEADERSHIP 2021-2022BOARD OF DIRECTORSADVISORY BOARD Dede Bartlett Ellen Bromley Peggy Brown Robert Doran Jennie Easterbrook Dood Freedman Stephen Lanza Wendy Levy Wendy Herrick, Board ChairJanill Sharma, Vice ChairJonathan Atwood, SecretaryDavid Stone, Treasurer Corynne ColfaxHarriet DulaneyVasso GyftopoulosJennifer LeahyBob SiegelAnush YegyazarianSuzanne Adam, Executive DirectorEllen B. Lubell Denise Mangano Christine McIntyre Peter Nathan Sandy Nathan JoAnn PrescottAmy Tisler Rebecca Watson John Watkins Robin Woods

Stamford Office/Mailing Address:1111 Summer Street, Suite 203Stamford, CT 06905Phone: (203) 588–9100Stamford Superior Court123 Hoyt StStamford, CT 06905Phone: 203-965-5185Domestic Violence Crisis Centerwww.DVCCCT.orgDVCC Hotline: 203-588-9097CT Safe Connect (statewide):888-774-2900 (call/text)National Domestic Violence Hotline:800-799-7233