The Women's Center of Danbury has been helping thousands of individuals in the northern Fairfield and southern Litchfield Counties who have been affected by domestic violence or sexual assault.

I recently chatted with Ms. Samantha Flynn who is the development director of The Women's Center about how the center's beautiful work to bless those less fortunate as well as info as to how people can help this amazing organization.

Q: Can you please tell us something about the Danbury Women's Center?

Since our founding in 1975, the Women's Center has provided a safe haven as the sole provider of domestic abuse and sexual assault survivor services in the Northern Fairfield and Southern Litchfield county areas. We serve over 20,000 individuals from a 13-town service area including: Bethel, Bridgewater, Brookfield, Danbury, Kent, New Fairfield, New Milford, Newtown, Redding, Ridgefield, Roxbury, Sherman and Washington with free and confidential services that are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Q: Could you please describe your clientele?

Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence - any age, race, ethnic group, economic level, gender or sexual orientation. Domestic Violence occurs between spouses, partners, family members, or people who are dating. And it can happen anywhere...

Q: What are the most common safety risks that these individuals face?

Economic Abuse - controlling money and resources

Emotional Abuse - humiliating, threatening, lying, saying you are "bad"

Physical Abuse - pushing, hitting, punching, choking

Verbal Abuse - yelling, talking over you, not listening, swearing

Sexual Abuse - forcing sex or making you do things you do not want to do

Stalking/Harassing - following and/or bothering you everywhere

Q: What suggestions could you share that might help keep women safer?

a. Talk about it! The Women's Center uses the motto, "Were Here To Talk About It" for a reason. Call the 24 hour emergency hotline at (203) 731-5206. All services are free and confidential.

b. Make an appointment. It takes a lot of courage to make the first call, and it might require some extra strength to take that second step into the front door. But what you have to say matters.

c. You don't have to be alone. Attend a workshop, join an empowerment group, go for individual or group counseling.

Remember, you have value!

Q: How can people get involved with the Women's Center and what kind of help do you like to receive?

Direct Service Volunteer Positions

• Domestic Violence/ Sexual Assault Hotline Counselor
• In-House Counselor
• Court Advocate
• Shelter Advocate
• Support Group Facilitator

Non-Direct Service Volunteer Postions                 

• Clerical (Filing, Copying, etc.)
• Annual Fundraising & Events
• Center Reps at Fairs & Events
• Holiday Help
• Child Care

For additional information, call the Women's Center at (203) 731-5200 or visit us online at www.wcogd.org