Advocacy
Acts of interpersonal violence can be traumatic and may impact many different aspects of a survivor's life. Survivors of interpersonal violence may face challenges navigating complicated criminal justice proceedings and social service systems. University of Bridgeport offers resource and referral information to help survivors navigate these systems and make better informed decisions. All services are free and many are confidential.
The Center for Family Justice
The Center empowers and counsels victims and survivors through emotional support, safety planning, case management services, and advocacy within medical, court, child welfare, and other systems of care through counselors trained and certified specifically in the area of domestic and sexual violence.
Contact:
The Center for Family Justice
753 Fairfield Avenue
Bridgeport, CT
203-334-6154
Ways to contact the campus advocates:
- Walk in during campus office hours: Tuesdays 12:30-4 p.m. (Carstensen, 2nd floor)
- Direct message on Instagram: @cfjcampusadvocacy
- Email: cfjcampusadvocacy@centerforfamilyjustice.org
- Directly email or call campus advocates (information below)
- Call the CFJ main office and ask to speak to a campus advocate
- Call the 24/7 Hotlines and ask to be assigned to a campus advocate
- Sexual violence: 203-333-2233
- Domestic violence: 203-384-9559
Hi everyone! My name is Marisa and I’m the Campus Sexual Violence Advocate. I received my bachelor’s degree in social work from Marist College and have been working in victim advocacy for over a year. As an advocate, my goal is to educate and empower students, connect them to resources, and provide a place for them to voice their concerns and problems. Please feel free to stop by whenever I’m on campus on Tuesdays from 12:30-4:30 or contact me via email, my door is open!
Hi all! My name is Lauren and I am one of the Campus Sexual Violence Advocates. I recently got my master’s in forensic psychology from George Washington University, and I have previous experience working with survivors of both sexual and domestic violence. I am excited to begin working with college students and can’t wait to connect with you all! My goal as an advocate is to make the students I work with feel seen and heard. Please don’t hesitate to reach out, we are here for you.
CT Safe Connect
Safe Connect is Connecticut’s domestic violence information and resource line, providing a coordinated response to the needs of survivors. The Safe Connect Coordinators are available 24/7/365 by phone, text, chat, or email, so survivors can talk in the way that feels most comfortable to them. Survivors are also offered a connection to one of the 18 member organizations across the state for ongoing support.
Call or Text: 888-774-2900
Email: safeconnect@ctcadv.org
Chat: ctsafeconnect.org
Hospital accompaniment
When a student chooses to seek medical care at a local hospital, trained advocates meet the victim at the hospital to provide emotional support and to help the victim make informed decisions. Advocates provide supportive and a non-judgmental presence and provide information about additional services and resources.
Criminal justice system accompaniment
Survivors can choose to have advocates attend the following events with them:
- Law enforcement interviews
- Court dates
- Sentencing
Information and referrals
Trained advocates empower victims by helping them make informed choices. They serve as a guide to the criminal justice system, offer support in completing paperwork and are knowledgeable sources of additional resources in the community.
University Title IX and Equity Process Advocacy
Survivors have the right to an advisor throughout the Title IX and Equity process. This person may be chosen by the survivor or assigned by the University.
To request advocacy services or an advisor, please contact University of Bridgeport’s Title IX and Equity Coordinator at or 203‑576‑4534.
Office of Civil Rights Compliance: Title IX and Equity
Title IX and Equity Coordinator