There's a new statewide hotline for Spanish-speaking victims of domestic violence.
The Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence already has a phone line that victims can call. It's in English, although there are interpreters available for over 200 languages.
As of this week, with support from the state, the coalition's new hotline will be answered by certified domestic violence counselors who speak both English and Spanish.
"I think it's the connection," said Wendy Mota Kasogo, who works for the coalition. "For somebody that's in crisis, and is explaining their situation in Spanish -- and that's their first language -- to know that someone on the other end is going to actually pick up the phone and get it in a way that makes sense to them: that's the difference."
The coalition launched the service on Wednesday at an event with Hartford Mayor Pedro Segarra. It coincides with a new statewide campaign to draw attention to the domestic violence.
"The hotline is really to provide that connection for victims, and so we can get crisis calls, where maybe the victim is experiencing some sort of crisis due to domestic violence," Mota Kasogo said.
The English and Spanish hotlines are staffed around the clock. Those who call will be connected to local organizations for counseling, safety planning, emergency shelter, and legal advocacy.
