HARTFORD – The Office of the Victim Advocate announced numbers for families to call for services following the Newtown school massacre.  “Our hearts and prayers go out to the school body, the families of the victims and the Newtown Community that have been affected by this atrocious tragedy,” the office indicated, in an announcement.  “It is our understanding that the Office of Victim Services is coordinating efforts to provide services to the victims and the families affected by this tragedy and can be reached toll free at 1-800-822-8428 or (860) 263-2760.” Also, Survivors of Homicide is available to provide services to any families in need and can be reached toll free at 1-888-771-3126 or (860) 257-7388.

By Viktoria Sundqvist
The Middletown Press
Special to the Register

For those wishing to help Newtown residents directly affected by Friday’s elementary school shooting, the Newtown Youth & Family Services is collecting donations.
Donations can be sent via “Caroline’s Gift,” a fund set up in the 1990s by a local family in memory of their daughter. The Caroline’s Gift fund offers financial support to families who are dealing with a child’s terminal or catastrophic illness.

Read more here.

In the wake of the recent shooting death of Svetlana Bell in New Fairfield during a domestic dispute, the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence is urging individuals to seek help if needed.

"We encourage anyone who is dealing with, or has concern about someone in an abusive relationship to seek help - any time of the day or night - we are here for you," said Pat Zachman, Executive Director, Women's Center of Greater Danbury, in a press release.

"The tragic death of Svetlana Bell underscores the need to facilitate conversations about healthy relationships in our homes, communities and workplaces," said Karen Jarmoc, coalition executive director. 

Bell's husband, Robert Bell, has been charged with manslaughter in connection with her death.

The coalition's member agencies provide a network of emergency and support services including, but not limited to, safety planning, emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis intervention, counseling, support groups and court advocacy. These services are all confidential and free of charge.

If you or someone you know needs help, call the statewide toll-free hotline at (888) 774-2900 to be connected to a local domestic violence agency in your area, including the Women's Center of Greater Danbury, which can be reached at (203) 731-5206.

The Wethersfield-based organization, Survivors of Homicide, Inc., has announced the following events:

New London - Tuesday, Dec. 18 at 111 Huntington Road, New London at 6 p.m.. Food and refreshments will be provided. Please contact Chester at 860-739-4270 for more information. Organizers describe it as an evening of bonding. 

Southington - Tuesday, Dec. 18 at 6:30 p.m. at Spartan II Pizza Restaurant & Lounge, 930 Meriden Waterbury Tpke., Plantsville. Cost is $5 per person, children under 12 are free. Contact Marie at ampellegrini@att.net if you would like to attend.

Bridgeport - Thursday, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. at 1395 Sylvan Ave., Bridgeport. Participants will be making holiday ornaments in memory of loved ones. Refreshments will be served.

Visit the site, www.survivorsofhomicide.com, for more information.