ABOUT US
Who We Are
The Rape Crisis Center of Milford is a 501(c)(3) social service agency working to end sexual violence through victim assistance, prevention, education, and public policy advocacy.
Hotline crisis calls are received 24 hours of every day by calling locally at 878-1212 or toll-free (888) 999-5545. The operator will ask for a telephone number where you can be reached and a certified counselor will return your call. All calls to the hotline are confidential.
The Rape Crisis Center of Milford provides services to the towns of Ansonia, Derby, Milford, Orange, Seymour, Shelton, and West Haven. All services are free of charge.
HISTORY
The Rape Crisis Center of Milford, Inc. was established in 1974 to provide counseling and advocacy to victims of sexual assault and their families.
In the early ’70s, two women, Joy Stonier, and Nancy Vinci recognized the growing problem and steady misconceptions about the issue of sexual assault. These two women sought the support of the Milford community to dispel these myths and to establish a safe haven for victims. This safe haven soon became the Rape Crisis Center of Milford and provided support, counseling, and advocacy to victims when needed.
The first Steering Committee was held on December 10, 1974. The meeting was led by co-coordinators Nancy Vinci and Joy Stonier. Nine other members attended and included: Dr. Allan Brandt, Chief William Bull, Sarah Fabish, Janet Lawler, Barbara Mayer, Shirley Newton, Kitty Russell, Detective Sullivan and Jane Wilkinson, R.N. With the collaboration of the Milford Police Department and the Mayor’s office, Joy and Nancy were awarded in-kind office space for the Center from the City of Milford. The Rape Crisis Center of Milford received its first funding from United Way and other private funders. Volunteers began to offer their time and a 24/7 hotline was established for the Milford community and then expanded to Ansonia, Derby, Orange, Seymour, Shelton, and West Haven.
During its first year of operation, the Center provided services to seven victims of sexual assault. This number has grown to over 550 victims last year. Working relationships with Milford Hospital, Griffin Hospital, Yale-New Haven Hospital, and the Ansonia-Milford State’s Attorney offices have been formed to ensure comprehensive support to victims throughout the medical, criminal, and court processes.
In 1989, the Rape Crisis Center of Milford expanded services to include prevention and educational programs. Students from Pre-K to 12th grade have been given an opportunity for their voices to be heard. Additionally, in 2006 a College Advocate was hired to work with the University of New Haven campus to provide education, awareness, and counseling to college students and faculty.
It is because of the generosity of our funders and dedication of our Board of Directors, Staff, and Volunteers that enables us to provide 24/7 free and confidential services to victims of sexual assault.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Officers
LEAH SMITH
KAREN GRAYSON
President
Vice President
ANITA EISENHAUER
CORTNEY MCCARTHY
Secretary
Treasurer
DIRECTORS
Kelsey Burns
Nicole Carrasco
Brian Parke
Dr. Vince Scarpetti
Susan Jerue
Unedra Muley
Hon. Benjamin Gettinger
Ryan Driscoll
Gina Jankura
Angela Intelisano