Personal Safety

The ECCS conducted a Parent Survey in January 2022, and safety was one of the topics they were asked about. The response to this question was surprising to us: There have been instances in the past year where I have been afraid of being harmed in my own home. Response: Always = 6.52%, Frequently = 20.40%, Sometimes = 14.73%, Never = 58.36%. It wasn’t clear if respondents were afraid of being harmed in their own home from internal or external factors.

This page covers some of the personal safety issues that may make people afraid of being harmed, including domestic violence and child abuse, emergency preparedness, and stranger awareness and abduction prevention. The Child Safety section had details about outdoor, water and weather safety along with child specific topics like car seats, helmets and safe sleep.

Domestic Violence / Child Abuse

Domestic violence (DV) is a pattern of coercive, controlling behavior that includes different types of abuse (emotional, psychological, physical, financial, sexual or litigation). DV incidents are rising and can impact anyone. Survivors who received services from the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence organizations increased from 37,223 in the fiscal year 2020 to 38,989 in 2021. The impact of intimate partner violence (IPV) on children is also a great concern, with 17.9% of children of all ages having been exposed to physical IPV in their lifetime. Note that this does not include any arguments or yelling that may be witnessed or overheard by the child.

If you are concerned about an abusive situation, call or text Safe Connect Connecticut at (888) 774-2900. This 24/7 statewide domestic violence hotline that covers 18 member programs, including the Prudence Crandall Center, will receive the calls, do a thorough assessment of needs, emotional support, safety planning, and options. Then, depending on what the clients are searching for, they may provide help obtaining counseling/support groups, shelter, housing assistance, basic needs.

Report child abuse by calling the DCF Careline (800-842-2288).

For emergency abuse or domestic violence concerns, contact the Southington Police Department by calling or texting 911.

More domestic violence and mental health resources can be found here.

Helpful Links and Resources

Emergency Preparedness

It’s essential to be prepared for emergencies so that both you and your children know what to do in case of a crisis.

Learn First Aid and CPR: Take a basic first aid and CPR course so you can help in an emergency. You can First Aid and CPR classes through the American Red Cross.

First Aid Kit: Keep a well-stocked kit at home and in the car. Include bandages, medicine, and tools for common injuries. Find first-aid kit recommendations here.

Emergency Plan: Have a family emergency plan. Practice evacuation routes and make sure everyone knows how to reach each other.

Emergency Contact Info: Keep a list of important phone numbers and addresses in your phone and in your home.

What to Do in Emergencies: Teach your child to dial emergency services (911), stay calm, and describe the situation clearly.

Emergency Identification for Children

  • https://childidprogram.com/
  • Car Seat ID Stickers – Find the ECCS during events to get a FREE car seat sticker!
  • Make sure children wear any necessary medical alert jewelry/tags and know not remove them.

Immigration Rights and Preparedness

Stranger Awareness and Abduction Prevention

Teaching your child how to stay safe around strangers and preventing potential abductions is crucial. Here’s how you can help protect your family:

Teaching About Strangers

  • Who’s a Stranger?: Explain that a stranger is anyone they don’t know well. Teach them not to go anywhere with strangers, no matter what.
  • Safe Strangers: Show your child who they can trust for help, such as police officers, teachers, or store employees.
  • Family Password: Set a secret family password. Teach your child that they should never go with someone who doesn’t know the password.

What to Do if Approached by a Stranger

  • Say No and Walk Away: Teach your child to confidently say “No” and walk away if a stranger tries to talk to them or offers something. 
  • Role-play: Practice different situations to make sure your child knows how to react if a stranger approaches them.

If They Get Lost

  • Stay Put: Teach your child to stay where they are if they get lost instead of looking for you, to avoid getting further separated.
  • Find a Safe Adult: Show them how to find a trusted adult, like a store worker or another parent with kids, if they’re lost or feeling scared.

Using Technology

  • Tracking Devices: Consider using a GPS tracker or child-friendly smartwatch so you can keep track of your child’s location.
  • Social Media Safety: Limit what your child shares online and ensure their privacy settings are high to protect them from strangers.

Parent Awareness

  • Recognize Red Flags: Be aware of adults who may act suspiciously, like offering gifts or asking too many personal questions.
  • Community Safety: Participate in neighborhood safety programs or talk to your child’s school about safety measures to keep everyone aware and alert.

Helpful Links and Resources