<< Back

Program for Crime Victims Expands, With Federal Grant, at The Hospital of Central Connecticut

February 18, 2019

A recent increase in federal funding through the Office of Victims Services has fueled an expansion of the Victims of Crime Act program at The Hospital of Central Connecticut.

VOCA, overseen by the Hartford HealthCare Behavioral Health Network, has expanded services to Southington. Services in New Britain also have been expanded, according to Kim Hughey (pictured above), clinical manager of the outpatient clinic.

VOCA is an outpatient program helping people who have, or continue to experience, the following types of abuse:

  • Domestic violence.
  • Childhood abuse or neglect.
  • Adult physical or sexual assault.
  • Elder abuse.
  • Stalking or harassment.

“We are confidential and focused on protecting and helping the victims of abuse,” Hughey said. “We don’t ask for evidence or police reports to qualify people for our services, all of which are free.”

Services include individual and group therapy, and help with medication management, although medication itself is not covered. HOCC also offers various services that are funded by the Office of Victims Services, including:

  • Emergency gift cards for food or clothing.
  • Bus passes.
  • Emergency transitional housing.
  • Information on connecting with the Office of Victims Services or additional services such as greater compensation and legal assistance.

Hughey said many people who experience violence of some sort struggle with the resulting shame as well as behavioral health issues such as depression and anxiety. VOCA team members support clients as they help them rebuild their own strength and confidence.

“If people experience routine triggers like having to come into contact with their abuser, they may experience high anxiety, hypervigilance, hopelessness and difficulty creating new goals for their future because they feel very stuck in the past, almost as though what happened has the potential to reoccur or is happening all over again,” said Bethany Michaud, a psychiatric clinician at the HOCC outpatient clinic who runs VOCA’s group therapy for survivors of sexual assault, molestation or domestic abuse.

“Support groups can offer a safe space where people can tell their personal story and feel heard, but not blamed,” she added. “Survivors also have the opportunity to see other people with similar histories of abuse or assault taking positive steps forward in life and this creates a sense of empowerment.”

Through therapy, clients learn grounding skills such as meditation, mantras, positive self-talk or yoga. They also identify support systems they can tap for help when needed and safety plans.

For more information on the VOCA program, call the Hospital of Central Connecticut Counseling Center at 860.224.5267.