Posted on September 21, 2017
NEW LONDON – Yesterday State Representative Kathleen McCarty (R-38) toured and sat down with officials from New London’s Safe Futures Emergency Shelter and Transitional Living Program – one of only 4 such programs in the state – for families working to rebuild lives shattered by domestic violence or sexual assault.
“I congratulate Safe Futures on celebrating their 40th Anniversary this year!” said Rep. McCarty. “These services are of the highest necessity, and quality, for our communities. Connecticut’s budget crisis has not made it easy for Safe Futures to continue operating to full capacity, but I applaud them for their dedication to do what they can and remain open despite uncertainty surrounding funding. I would like to let my constituents know that the organization will be hosting a Power of Purple 4K Walk on October 15th at Crystal Mall in Waterford – please join if you can!”
Founded in 1976 as the Women’s Center of Southeastern Connecticut, Safe Futures began as an information and referral service for women entering the workforce. When a rape crisis hotline was added to the services offered, it soon became clear that the perpetrators of the assaults were men the callers knew – their husbands and boyfriends. This realization lead to the opening of several safe houses, and eventually a permanent emergency shelter in 1978. As demand for the Women’s Center’s services grew, so did its programs and expertise in the field of domestic violence. In 2012, the Women’s Center changed its name to Safe Futures to better reflect those being served by the agency as well as its full scope of programs.
Today, Safe Futures operates two 24-hour hotlines and has a full service donation center. In partnership with the Norwich Police Department, the organization provides more than 9,000 individuals each year with legal assistance, counseling and advocacy, case management, support groups, and educational programs for schools and community groups. All 21 towns in New London County are served by the agency.
Safe Futures is also part of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV). Safe Futures is funded in part by the State of Connecticut’s Departments of Social Service, Mental Health and Addiction Services, and Office of Victim Services, Judicial Branch.