Victim Services | City of Bridgeport

Shanda Scott - Victim Assistance Coordinator

MISSION STATEMENT

Shanda Scott serves as the Victim Assistance Coordinator for the Bridgeport Police Department. In this vital role, she acts as a dedicated point of contact for Bridgeport community members affected by violent crimes, offering guidance, access to resources, and essential information.

Mrs. Scott is available to:

Provide direction and support tailored to individual needs.
Connect individuals and families with potential resources.
Share valuable information to help navigate the aftermath of violent crimes.
Assist victims of violent crimes and their families in applying for financial assistance to cover specific crime-related expenses, provided they meet eligibility requirements.

Contact Information:

Phone: 203-576-7714
Email: shanda.scott@bridgeportct.gov
Appointments: Arrange via email or phone.

Click here for the Bridgeport Police Department Victim Services Brochure in English

Click here for the Bridgeport Police Department Victim Services Brochure in Spanish

Crime Information

If anyone has questions regarding a crime or a current investigation, they can contact the Detective Bureau at 203-581-5201 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

If anyone has information about an ongoing crime, please contact (203) 576-TIPS (24/7 phone number)

The Bridgeport Police Department serves all community members regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or sexual orientation.

*The City of Bridgeport is not liable for any expenses incurred from the towing of a vehicle or due to the loss of any personal items related to a crime*

The State Constitution guarantees that crime victims and their families have the right but not limited to:

Be treated with fairness and respect throughout the criminal justice process.
Be reasonably protected from the accused throughout the criminal justice process.
Get information about court dates, and the offender's arrest, conviction, sentence, imprisonment, and release
Attend the trial and all other court proceedings.
Communicate with the prosecution about the case.
Request restitution for crime-related expenses.
Apply to the Office of Victim Services (OVS) for financial help for certain crime-related expenses at 1-888-286-7347.
Ask the court to return the property taken for the investigation.
For more information about crime victim rights, please call the OVS Helpline at 1-800-822-8428.

Click here to download the complete Guide for Victims of Crime.

Victim Services Forms

Victim Rights - Notification

Victim Rights - Protect yourself from Identity Theft

Victim Rights - Be Heard

Victim Rights - Fairness & Respect

Victim Rights - Information

Victim Rights - Protection

Victim Rights - Services

Victim Rights - The Right to Attend

Victims of Sexual Assault

Victim Notification Program

Victim Rights - Civil Protection Order

Victim Rights - Criminal Orders of Protection

Victim Rights - Restitution

Office of Victim Services (OVS); Victim Compensation Program

The Crime victim compensation program assists victims and their families with the financial costs of crime and/or crime-related expenses such as medical costs, mental health counseling, lost wages, and funeral and burial costs.

The Victim Compensation Program may be able to pay for certain crime-related expenses that are not covered or eligible that are not covered by insurance or other financial resources.

Compensation Program brochure - PDF | Español – PDF

The City of Bridgeport Department of Social Services

The Department of Social Services is committed to addressing the social and behavioral health needs of children, youth, adults, seniors, families, and the broader community. We aim to foster social justice, promote self-sufficiency, and empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives.

What They Offer

They provide a wide range of services to support our community, including:

Case Management: Personalized assistance to help individuals and families navigate challenges.
Housing Support: Resources and guidance for securing safe and stable housing.
Behavioral Health Services: Support for mental and emotional well-being.
Services for Seniors: Programs tailored to meet the unique needs of our senior citizens.
Youth and Family Programs: Initiatives to strengthen families and support youth development.

Fill Out a Referral Form: Share your needs, and we’ll connect you to the appropriate services.

Click here: https://www.bridgeportct.gov/government/departments/health-social-services/social-services/social-services-referral-form

To access the Social Services Website for the City of Bridgeport, take the first step toward getting the support you need.

Click here https://www.bridgeportct.gov/government/departments/health-social-servi…

For additional information on Victim Services, call or visit

INFO-Line (24-hour service) 211 https://www.211ct.org/
Elder Abuse 1.888.385.4225
Child Abuse Care Line (24 hr.) 1.800.842.2288
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) (24hr) 1.800.544.3690
Survivors of Homicide (24 hr.) 860.257.7388
Office of the Victim Advocate 1.888.771.3126 (Victim Rights Assistance)
State of Connecticut Office of Victims Services(OVS) https://www.jud.ct.gov/crimevictim/

National Human Trafficking Hotline 888-373-7888 or text BEFREE to 233733
https://humantraffickinghotline.org/en

Domestic Violence and Intimate Partner Violence

The Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Inc. (CCADV) ctcadv.org/
Connecticut Judicial Branch Domestic Violence jud.ct.gov/lawlib/Law/domesticviolence.htm

Contact for Advocacy, emergency shelter, counseling, and other services.