Providing recovery assistance and advocacy for Polish victims of crime in the greater New Britain area since 1998.
Our Polish-Fluent Staff Offers:
Translation services- Crisis counseling
- Criminal justice advocacy
- Emergency legal advice
- Help in obtaining restraining orders
- Making safety plans for those in domestic violence situations
- Transportation to related appointments and referrals
- Immigration assistance
- Case management referrals for housing, employment, energy, and early childhood education assistance
Last year, the Polish Victim Advocacy Program helped 209 people in the community stay safer. 83% of these people were victims of domestic violence, including elder abuse or late-life domestic violence.
Call (860) 612.1781 for an appointment. Walk-ins also welcome.
Success Story
“Bascia’s” (fictitious name) husband had been sexually assaulting her for months before he committed suicide. After his death she learned that he did not have insurance, nor did he leave a will. Completely distraught, in tears and without hope, Bascia came to HRA’s Polish Victim Advocacy Program for help. She knew she needed counseling to help her cope.
HRA’s Polish Victim Advocate helped her get counseling and more. The advocate began by filing an application with the state for Personal Injury Compensation. Bascia received $15,000 toward counseling and is attending sessions regularly. Secondly, the Advocate filed the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) application for Husky insurance. Bascia now has medical insurance. She gets by cleaning houses and with some help from her two sons.
After months of hard work, Bascia now comes to HRA with a smile on her face and a spring in her step. She has begun to wear neat clothes and use makeup. Bascia is not completely healed, but she now sees hope where she previously saw only despair.
The Polish Victim Advocacy Program has helped nearly 2,000 Polish crime victims like Bascia since it began.
For more information on victim advocacy, visit the CT Office of Victim Advocacy.
Program funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Victims of Crime.