Did you know you may be eligible to receive financial help with expenses directly related to domestic violence?
The Office of Victim Services for the State of Connecticut is able to provide financial support to victims of domestic violence. DVCC’s counselors are able to discuss eligibility, possible benefits, and help you complete and submit these applications.
Covered expenses may include:
- Medical Expenses– such as hospital, doctor, and cosmetic or plastic surgery, dental fees and copays, physical therapy, medical equipment, eyeglasses, dentures and other medical supplies;
- Mental Health Expenses– individual, family or group therapy, medication management, alternative therapies that are recommended to aid in the healing process including: art or music therapy, psychotherapy, tutoring, a personal trainer, summer camp;
- Reimbursement – for attending Criminal Court Proceedings, Board of Pardons & Paroles, juvenile matters and scheduled meetings with State’s Attorney or Family Relations Counselor – travel to and from court to attend hearings and scheduled meetings– mileage, airfare, parking and hotel;
- Reimbursement of Lost Taxable Wages – because of crime related injuries or to court proceedings;
- Replacement or repair of external locks, external damaged doors, and windows (incident would have to be reported to the police unless the lock replacement is for safety reasons);
- Crime scene clean-up or installation and/or equipment for an alarm system, security camera, and security lighting (up to $1,000).
Even if you do not have expenses right now, you should still apply to the Victim Compensation Program. Once approved by the Office of Victim Services there is no time limit to use the funds.
In cases of domestic violence, Connecticut does not require a police report in order to apply to the Victim Compensation Program. Unlike many other states, a disclosure to a certified domestic violence counselor advocate, like those at DVCC, is all that is needed.
Connecticut’s Victim Compensation Program is for victims of crimes that were committed within the geographic bounds of the state.
Please call our office at 203-588-9100 to learn more about the Victim Compensation Program and for assistance with completing an application.