Founded in 1993, CONNECT is a leading, non-profit training, educational and advocacy organization dedicated to the prevention and elimination of interpersonal violence in New York City.

             Vision: The realization of a society based on mutuality, respect and social justice where institutions are accountable, communities are peaceful, families are safe and individuals are empowered.

Mission: CONNECT is dedicated to preventing interpersonal violence and promoting gender justice. By building partnerships with individuals and communities, CONNECT strives to help change the beliefs, behaviors and institutions that perpetuate violence. Through legal empowerment, grassroots mobilization and transformative education, CONNECT seeks to create safe families and peaceful communities.

Domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence, is a pattern of abusive behavior that keeps one partner in a position of power over the other through the use of fear, intimidation and control. It may manifest itself as physical, sexual, verbal, emotional spiritual and financial abuse. Gender violence, interpersonal violence, child abuse, teen relationship violence and elder abuse are all examples of domestic violence. Domestic violence is pervasive and occurs in all groups, regardless of race/ethnicity, income, age, education, religion, immigration status, or sexual orientation. It is rooted in sexism, racism and a culture of permissive violence.

Domestic violence is the leading cause of serious injury to women. One in three women killed each year are killed by a spouse or partner. (New York Human Resources Administration, Department of Social Services 2009).

In 2011 police responded to 257,813 domestic violence incidents. In addition, NYPD’s Domestic Violence Unit conducted 73,016 home visits in 2010, a 91% increase since 2002.* New York City’s Domestic Violence Hotlines received more than 310 calls per day* The New York City police responded  to an average of over 700 domestic violence incidents per day last year*

Warning Signs:

Physical injuries including bruises, fractures, cuts, untreated wounds, complications with pregnancy Illness including stress-related pain, anxiety attacks, depression, substance abuse, weight loss or gain and other related health issues Behavior changes including unexplained absence or lateness, signs of fear, increased and unexplained isolation and changes in friendships and activities.

If you need immediate help, call: New York City Domestic Violence Bilingual Hotline (24 Hours) 1.800.621.HOPE

New York State Adult Domestic Violence Hotline (24 Hours. Spanish speaking) 1.800.942.6908

For legal advocacy, information or referrals, please call the Legal Advocacy Help Line at (212) 683-0605   M-F 9:30am-5pm.