Domestic Violence and Abuse Help & Safety Resources for Single Mothers in Connecticut

Last updated: September 2025

This hub is written for single mothers in Connecticut who need fast, practical help to stay safe, protect their children, and stabilize finances. Every phone number and dollar amount below is from an official Connecticut or federal source and includes direct links so you can act right away.

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Quick Emergency Help Box

• If you are in immediate danger: call or text 911 right now.
• Connecticut Safe Connect 24/7 line (call/text/chat/email): 888-774-2900 — statewide entry point to shelter, safety planning, legal help, relocation, and local advocates.
• State domestic violence info from the courts: family restraining orders, forms, and help filing.
• Office of Victim Services (OVS) compensation: up to $15,000\ast \ast forpersonalinjuryclaims;upto\ast \ast$25,000 for survivor benefits; helpline 800-822-8428 (Mon–Fri, 8:00–4:30).
• United Way 2‑1‑1: dial 2‑1‑1 or 800-203-1234 for shelter openings, food, child care, and crisis resources.
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800‑799‑7233 (SAFE) for 24/7 help and safety planning.

Sources: Safe Connect/CCADV; CT Judicial Branch; CT OVS; United Way 2‑1‑1; CT Judicial Branch DV FAQ. (ctcadv.org, jud.ct.gov, jud.ct.gov, uwc.211ct.org)

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Rapid Safety Plan You Can Start Today

• Pack essentials discreetly: IDs, birth certificates, Social Security cards, health insurance cards, custody papers, keys, a few days of clothes, medications, EBT/ATM cards, a prepaid phone, and important phone numbers written on paper.
• Use Safe Connect to locate shelter fast: call/text 888‑774‑2900 for immediate safety planning, hotel/shelter options, and help with orders and transportation.
• Turn off location tracking: log out of shared iCloud/Google accounts, disable location sharing on photos and messaging apps, and use a browser “quick exit” when visiting help sites.
• Teach children a code word: agree on a word to mean “get to the neighbor/leave the room and call 911.”
• Store digital copies: email scans of documents to a new account only you can access (2‑factor authentication using a safe device).

Why Safe Connect works: it is Connecticut’s centralized, bilingual, confidential DV resource available by phone, text, chat, and email, staffed by certified advocates who can connect you to any of CT’s 18 local DV organizations. (ctcadv.org, ctsafeconnect.org)

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Emergency Section: How to Get a Connecticut Restraining Order (Relief from Abuse) Today

• Go to your nearest Superior Court clerk or Court Service Center and ask for a family restraining order packet.
• Complete the forms (Application JD‑FM‑137, Affidavit JD‑FM‑138; add JD‑FM‑164 if children). Staff can help you fill them out.
• Ask for an “ex parte” temporary order: a judge can grant same‑day protection based on your sworn affidavit.
• Service is free: a state marshal will serve your papers at no cost. Give the marshal as much detail as possible.
• Timeline: if a temporary order is granted, the hearing is typically set within about 14 days; the marshal must serve the Respondent ahead of the hearing (restraining orders: no later than 3 days before the hearing; civil protection orders: 5 days).
• Bring evidence: photos, messages, call logs, medical notes, prior police or DCF reports, names of witnesses.
• Firearms safety: Connecticut law requires people served with restraining or protective orders to surrender firearms and ammunition within 24 hours of notice.

Key links: CT Judicial Branch restraining orders overview and forms; state‑paid marshal service instructions; civil protection orders page (non‑family sexual assault/stalking). Firearms surrender timeline is set by state law. (jud.ct.gov, cga.ct.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Call Safe Connect: 888‑774‑2900 for an advocate who can help you file, find the right court, and prepare for the hearing.
• Ask for a Family Violence Victim Advocate at court: they’re on site in every GA courthouse and can walk you through the process. (jud.ct.gov)

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Understanding Your Options: Orders that Can Protect You and Your Children

Sources: CT Judicial Branch forms and FAQs; CT law and OLR summaries on 24‑hour firearm surrender. (jud.ct.gov, cga.ct.gov)

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Housing Safety and Your Rights in Connecticut

• Lock changes: if you are protected by a restraining/protective order that requires the abuser to stay away from your home, your landlord must change the locks or allow you to change them. The landlord must respond within 6 hours and change locks within 48 hours. You may be charged the actual reasonable cost, but not evicted for asking. (law.justia.com)
• Early lease termination: you can end your lease with 30 days’ written notice if you or your child is a victim of family violence or sexual assault and you fear imminent harm. Include a sworn statement and either a recent police/court record or a recent signed statement from OVS or the Office of the Victim Advocate. You are still responsible for past due rent or damage, but not for the rest of the term. (law.justia.com)
• Address Confidentiality Program (Safe at Home/ACP): get a substitute mailing address and protect your real address on marriage, voting, and many state/municipal records. You apply through trained advocates; the Secretary of the State runs the program. (portal.ct.gov, cga.ct.gov)
• VAWA protections in subsidized housing: federal VAWA rules protect survivors from eviction or voucher loss because of abuse; ask your housing authority for VAWA forms (HUD‑5382/5380).

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Call 2‑1‑1 to locate DV‑friendly shelters and rapid rehousing; ask for DV shelter or hotel placement if standard shelters are full.
• Ask your DV advocate to write a safety‑based reasonable accommodation letter to your landlord. (uwc.211ct.org)

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Money You May Qualify For After Abuse

Connecticut Office of Victim Services (OVS) Compensation

• What it covers: medical, dental, counseling, prescriptions; cosmetic surgery; medically‑needed equipment; lost wages due to crime injury or caring for a victim; travel to court; crime scene cleanup (up to $1,000).
• Maximums: up to $15,000\ast \ast forpersonalinjury;upto\ast \ast$5,000 for emotional injury only; up to $25,000\ast \ast forsurvivorbenefits(includesupto\ast \ast$6,000 for funeral).
• Who can apply: victims, certain relatives of DV/SA/child abuse victims, children who witnessed DV, and others who paid funeral or cleanup costs.
• How to apply: download OVS applications and file by mail, fax, or email. OVS can help you fill it out; toll‑free 888‑286‑7347.

Sources: CT Judicial Branch OVS compensation. (jud.ct.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Call the OVS helpline 800‑822‑8428 to troubleshoot denials or missing documents; ask for help from your court‑based victim advocate. (jud.ct.gov)

Paid Time Off and Job Protection When Abuse Interrupts Work

• Family Violence Leave (job‑protected): Connecticut employers must allow up to 12 days each calendar year (paid or unpaid) for medical/counseling care, services from a victim services agency, relocation, or court proceedings related to family violence or sexual assault. Your employer may ask for advance notice only if foreseeable (no more than 7 days). (law.justia.com)
• CT Paid Leave benefits (income replacement): you can receive wage replacement during those 12 days, calculated as 95% of your average weekly wage up to 40× minimum wage, plus 60% of the remainder, capped at $981/week in 2025. Contributions are 0.5% of wages (up to the Social Security wage cap). (ctpaidleave.org)
• Sick leave you may already have: Connecticut’s paid sick leave law (service workers and expanding coverage) can be used for DV reasons like medical care, relocation, or court. (cga.ct.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Apply for CT Paid Leave online and talk to HR with a note from a doctor/advocate verifying the reason without detailed disclosures. Use a DV advocate to liaise with HR.

SNAP, WIC, and Food Access (Real 2025 Amounts)

• SNAP maximum monthly benefit (Oct 1, 2024 – Sep 30, 2025): 1 person $292\ast \ast ;2people\ast \ast$536; 3 people $768\ast \ast ;4people\ast \ast$975; each additional person $220\ast \ast .Sheltercap\ast \ast$712; standard deduction for households 1–3 is $204. Apply with DSS or call 2‑1‑1 for help. (fns.usda.gov)
• WIC monthly fruits/vegetables cash‑value benefit (FY 2025): children $26\ast \ast ;pregnant/postpartum\ast \ast$47; fully or mostly breastfeeding $52\ast \ast .Connecticut’sWICFarmers’MarketNutritionProgramadds\ast \ast$45 per eligible participant for the 2025 season. (fns.usda.gov, portal.ct.gov)
• HUSKY Health (Medicaid) income example: HUSKY A (parents/caretakers) for a family of 3 has a monthly income limit of $3,065 as of March 1, 2025. (Other HUSKY categories vary by age/status.) (portal.ct.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Use 2‑1‑1 to find emergency food pantries and hot meals near you while your SNAP/WIC case is pending. (uwc.211ct.org)

Temporary Family Assistance (TFA cash aid)

• Basics: cash assistance for families with children; 36‑month state time limit (with possible extensions); $6,000\ast \ast assetlimit;onevehicleexemptupto\ast \ast$9,500 equity; earnings are disregarded up to 100% FPL for active cases. Apply online via ConneCT or call 855‑626‑6632.
• Note on payment amounts: DSS sets monthly “Payment Standards” by household size and updates them on the official DSS Program Standards Chart; check the current chart and use your household size to view the exact amount. (portal.ct.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Ask DSS for a domestic violence “good cause” exemption if cooperating with child support would put you or your child at risk. A DV advocate can provide documentation.

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Dealing With Coerced Debt and Financial Abuse

• New Connecticut law (effective Jan 1, 2025): if an abuser forced you to take on debt (credit card, etc.), you can send required documentation to the creditor to pause collections while they review. If deemed “coerced debt,” they must permanently stop collecting and fix your credit reporting. Creditors have set timelines to review; you can also go to court to establish the debt was coerced. (cga.ct.gov)
• What to send: a sworn statement with details, plus at least one of the following — police report, restraining/protective order, or a certified statement from a qualified professional (e.g., DV counselor, therapist). Send by a trackable method to the creditor’s listed address. (casetext.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Ask a legal aid attorney or DV advocate to help draft the coerced‑debt request; consider small‑claims or civil court if the creditor ignores the law.

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Quick Reference Cheat Sheet (Scan and Act)

Sources noted throughout sections. (jud.ct.gov, law.justia.com, portal.ct.gov)

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting to document: write down incidents with dates; save screenshots and voicemail backups to a safe email.
• Missing service: after a temporary order is granted, get the papers to the marshal immediately; restraining orders must be served several days before the hearing.
• Assuming you must face the abuser in court: ask about video testimony or other accommodations when there is a protective or restraining order in place.
• Not using DV leave: you are entitled to 12 days of job‑protected family violence leave each year; combine with CT Paid Leave for income.
• Skipping housing rights: ask promptly for lock changes or to end your lease if you fear imminent harm; timelines matter.
• Over‑sharing with your employer or landlord: provide only what the law requires (e.g., a brief verification letter) to protect your privacy. (jud.ct.gov, law.justia.com)

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Local Organizations and How to Reach Them

• Connecticut Safe Connect (CCADV): entry point to all 18 local DV programs; 24/7 call/text 888‑774‑2900; chat and email available.
• Domestic Violence Crisis Center (Stamford/Norwalk region): hotline 203‑588‑9097; Safe Connect will also route you if you’re in a different county.
• United Way 2‑1‑1: statewide navigation to shelters, legal aid, child care, food, and more.
• Office of the Victim Advocate: complaints if your rights as a victim are being ignored; 888‑771‑3126.

Sources: CCADV/Safe Connect; DVCC; 2‑1‑1; Office of the Victim Advocate. (ctcadv.org, dvccct.org, uwc.211ct.org, portal.ct.gov)

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Diverse Communities: Tailored Tips and CT Resources

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: ask Safe Connect for an advocate trained in LGBTQ+ dynamics and for help with name/pronoun respect in court filings. If the abuser outs you or threatens to, consider ACP to protect your address and use a new mailing address on court forms. (portal.ct.gov)
• Single mothers with disabilities or with disabled children: request reasonable accommodations at court (accessible rooms, remote appearance). HUSKY and OVS can help with specialized equipment and counseling; SAGA and DSS can advise on disability‑related exemptions from TFA work requirements. (jud.ct.gov, portal.ct.gov)
• Veteran single mothers: Safe Connect can coordinate with VA social workers; ask about VAWA protections in HUD‑VASH housing and about veteran‑specific legal clinics.
• Immigrant and refugee single moms: Safe Connect provides multilingual advocacy and real‑time interpretation. You can seek restraining orders regardless of immigration status; OVS compensation is available for eligible crimes without requiring police reporting in some DV cases (e.g., if you told a certified advocate or got a court order). (ctcadv.org, jud.ct.gov)
• Tribal citizens: DV advocates can coordinate with tribal social services and courts. If you live on tribal land but need state court help, ask Safe Connect to guide you.
• Rural single moms with limited access: ask for remote court options and transportation help through your local DV program; Safe Connect can arrange rides or virtual advocacy check‑ins.
• Single fathers: all these services apply to you; Safe Connect will support any survivor of family violence. (ctcadv.org)
• Language access: Safe Connect’s team is fully bilingual and uses real‑time translation for many languages; the Judicial Branch also has bilingual staff in several Court Service Centers. (ctcadv.org, jud.ct.gov)

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Step‑by‑Step: Filing and Going to Your Hearing

• Before you file: talk to a Safe Connect advocate about your goals (stay or leave the relationship, child safety, housing). They will help you decide what to ask for on the order (e.g., temporary custody, exclusive use of the home, no contact at school/work).
• At the courthouse: bring completed forms; ask for help at the Court Service Center if needed. Request ex parte orders. Keep copies with you at all times.
• Service of papers: hand your paperwork to the on‑site marshal right away; marshal hours are posted, and the Judicial Branch pays the marshal’s fee; service must be timely for your hearing to go forward.
• The hearing: expect a short, focused hearing within about 14 days. The Family Relations Counselor will meet each side before you see the judge; you can ask for a Family Violence Victim Advocate to stand with you. Bring printed evidence and a brief timeline.
• After the hearing: if you win, give copies to your child’s school, daycare, employer, and keep one in your car. If it’s denied, ask your advocate about appeal options or re‑filing if new incidents occur.

Sources: CT Judicial Branch DV FAQs, Court forms page, marshal service instructions, protective order timelines. (jud.ct.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Ask for a continuance if the respondent wasn’t properly served; advocates can push for a quick new date.
• If safety worsens, call 911 and tell police you have a pending restraining order case.

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Money and Benefits Summary Table (Fast Scan)

Sources: OVS; CT Paid Leave; Justia DV leave statute; USDA SNAP COLA FY 2025; USDA WIC FY 2025; DSS Program Standards Chart. (jud.ct.gov, ctpaidleave.org, law.justia.com, fns.usda.gov, portal.ct.gov)

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Application Checklist

• Identity and family: your photo ID; children’s birth certificates; Social Security cards.
• Proof of CT address: lease, utility bill, or a letter from shelter; ACP card if enrolled.
• Income: recent pay stubs, unemployment/benefit letters; child support orders if any.
• Medical/counseling receipts: for OVS and DV leave documentation.
• Court and police papers: restraining/protective orders, police reports, incident numbers.
• Child care/school: daycare invoices, school contact info for safety alerts.
• Banking and debt: statements for coerced‑debt challenges; list of creditors.

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Real‑World Examples (What CT Moms Actually Do)

• Court + safety: a mom in Hartford filed ex parte in the morning, the clerk called the marshal, and she had a temporary order by afternoon; Safe Connect helped her arrange a lock change through her landlord the next day.
• Income bridge: a Stamford single mom used 12 days of Family Violence Leave with CT Paid Leave benefits to attend hearings and relocate; OVS later reimbursed counseling bills for her and her child.
• Credit clean‑up: a New Haven mom sent a coerced‑debt packet (sworn statement + restraining order + counselor letter) by certified mail; the card issuer paused collections and removed negative reporting after review.

(Your situation will be different; these are typical paths Connecticut advocates see. Use the linked sources to confirm every step.)

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Frequently Asked Questions (Connecticut‑Specific)

• What is the fastest way to connect with services: Call or text 888‑774‑2900 (Safe Connect) for immediate shelter openings, safety planning, and local advocates. (ctcadv.org)
• Can I get a restraining order without the abuser being arrested: Yes. File a family restraining order in Superior Court; a judge may grant a same‑day temporary order based on your affidavit. (jud.ct.gov)
• Who serves the restraining order and who pays: a state marshal serves it, and the Judicial Branch pays the marshal’s fee. (jud.ct.gov)
• How soon is the hearing: hearings on temporary orders are generally set within about 14 days; show up with evidence, and ask for a court advocate when you arrive. (jud.ct.gov)
• Do guns have to be surrendered: Yes. When someone becomes subject to a qualifying order, they must surrender or transfer firearms and ammunition within 24 hours. (cga.ct.gov)
• Can my landlord change the locks quickly: Yes. With a qualifying order, the landlord must respond within 6 hours and change locks within 48 hours, or let you change them. (law.justia.com)
• Can I break my lease if I fear harm: Yes. Give 30 days’ written notice plus required documentation; you won’t owe the remaining term. (law.justia.com)
• What cash help can I get for injuries and lost wages: Apply to OVS for compensation up to $15,000\ast \ast (personalinjury)or\ast \ast$25,000 (survivor). (jud.ct.gov)
• How much can CT Paid Leave pay for DV leave: up to $981/week in 2025, depending on your wages. (ctpaidleave.org)
• How much food help can I get on SNAP right now: maximum for a family of 3 is $768/month until Sep 30, 2025 (higher for larger families). (fns.usda.gov)

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Resources by Region (Get Matched Through Safe Connect)

Safe Connect will connect you directly to your region’s program (Interval House, Prudence Crandall Center, Center for Family Justice, Safe Futures, DVCC, Umbrella Center, etc.). If you’re in lower Fairfield County and need to reach a program directly, DVCC hotline is 203‑588‑9097. Otherwise, start with Safe Connect to be routed quickly. (ctcadv.org, dvccct.org)

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Extra Tables You Can Screenshot

A. Fast Links to Official CT Forms and Help

Sources: CT Judicial Branch; OVS; SOTS; CT Paid Leave. (jud.ct.gov, jud.ct.gov, portal.ct.gov, ctpaidleave.org)

B. Housing Rights Snapshot

(law.justia.com, portal.ct.gov)

C. Money + Benefits at a Glance

(jud.ct.gov, ctpaidleave.org, fns.usda.gov, portal.ct.gov)

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What Happens in Court: Support You Can Expect

• Family Violence Victim Advocates are present in every GA courthouse to support survivors; conversations with them are confidential. They can help you understand protective order levels and court steps. (jud.ct.gov)
• OVS court advocates support cases in judicial district courts and can update you on rights, upcoming dates, and restitution. Helpline 800‑822‑8428. (jud.ct.gov)

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About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team
This guide uses official sources from Connecticut agencies and established nonprofits. Our content is researched and maintained by dedicated benefits researchers, and follows our verification standards (primary sources, cross‑checks, digital documentation, and prompt corrections). Read our full editorial standards and change‑tracking details here.

Editorial Standards: we use only official government websites or established statewide/national nonprofits, verify across multiple sources (for example, court law + Judicial Branch forms + OLR summaries), and update within 48 hours of confirmed policy changes. We provide calculator links when amounts change between updates and note local variation. This page acknowledges that program amounts/eligibility can change and that individual outcomes vary.

Contact for corrections: info@asinglemother.org. We respond within 48 hours; urgent errors fixed within 24 hours. See our Editorial Policy for methodology, review cycles, and accuracy commitments. (portal.ct.gov)

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Disclaimer

Information only: this guide is not legal advice and is not affiliated with any government agency. Policies, amounts, and program rules change; always confirm with the linked official agency pages and hotlines before you act. For your safety, use a secure device and a private browser window; use “quick exit” buttons on agency sites when available. If you see outdated information here, email info@asinglemother.org so we can correct it quickly.

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Source Notes (select highlights)

• Safe Connect 24/7: phone/text 888‑774‑2900; chat/email options; statewide entry to 18 member programs. (ctcadv.org)
• Restraining order forms & hearing timing: JD‑FM‑137/138; ex parte and hearing process; ex parte orders typically last until the hearing, generally within about 14 days. (jud.ct.gov)
• Service by marshal at no cost; service deadlines (3 days RO/5 days CPO). (jud.ct.gov)
• Firearms surrender within 24 hours when subject to qualifying orders. (cga.ct.gov)
• OVS compensation maximums and categories. (jud.ct.gov)
• CT Paid Leave DV leave rules and 2025 benefit cap $981/week. (law.justia.com, ctpaidleave.org)
• SNAP FY 2025 maximums & deductions; WIC FY 2025 CVB amounts; HUSKY A income example from DSS Program Standards Chart. (fns.usda.gov, portal.ct.gov)

If you need help using any of these links or steps, call Safe Connect at 888‑774‑2900 and ask for a certified advocate to walk you through the process.

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🏛️More Connecticut Resources for Single Mothers

Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in Connecticut

• 📋 Assistance Programs
• 💰 Benefits and Grants
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Child Support
• 🌾 Rural Single Mothers Assistance
• ♿ Disabled Single Mothers Assistance
• 🎖️ Veteran Single Mothers Benefits
• 🦷 Dental Care Assistance
• 🎓 Education Grants
• 📊 EITC and Tax Credits
• 🍎 SNAP and Food Assistance
• 🔧 Job Training
• ⚖️ Legal Help
• 🧠 Mental Health Resources
• 🚗 Transportation Assistance
• 💼 Job Loss Support & Unemployment
• ⚡ Utility Assistance
• 🥛 WIC Benefits
• 🏦 TANF Assistance
• 🏠 Housing Assistance
• 👶 Childcare Assistance
• 🏥 Healthcare Assistance
• 🚨 Emergency Assistance
• 🤝 Community Support
• 🎯 Disability & Special Needs Support
• 🛋️ Free Furniture & Household Items
• 🏫 Afterschool & Summer Programs
• 🍼 Free Baby Gear & Children's Items
• 🎒 Free School Supplies & Backpacks
• 🏡 Home Buyer Down Payment Grants
• 🤱 Postpartum Health & Maternity Support
• 👩‍💼 Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection
• 💼 Business Grants & Assistance
• 💻 Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance
• 🤱 Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Support
• 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery