The Women’s Center of Greater Danbury has announced the recipients of this year's Founders Award.  The recipients are Danbury and New Milford Hospitals, which partner with the Women’s Center in caring for domestic violence and sexual assault victims.

It is best practice that the Emergency Department contacts the Women’s Center hotline if they are treating a victim of domestic or sexual violence so the Center can send an advocate to be with the client and immediately link them to services. 

Women's Center officials say this was evident when the hospital recently called on behalf of a domestic violence client who appeared to be in distress.  When the client was discharged, the Women’s Center was able to shelter her in a safe place. During and after her stay at Elizabeth House she was able to receive counseling and safety planning services.  Women's Center officials say the hospital made a life-saving connection that has enabled the victim to live a safe and violent free life.