A program in Connecticut is offering cash assistance to victims of community violence and intimate partner violence. Researchers at Yale are studying the outcomes of the program, which provides a one-time payment of $500 to those in need. The program, funded by a $75,000 grant from the nonprofit 4-CT, aims to help victims meet urgent needs and strengthen their connections with community organizations.

Helping Victims in Need

Dr. Lucy Paredes, a research fellow at Yale, interviewed 15-20 recipients of the cash assistance and found that it profoundly helped them meet urgent needs. The recipients used the funds for basic necessities like food, rent, and transportation. Some even used the money to relocate or pay for burial expenses.

The program also offers cash assistance to people who are victims of intimate partner violence. Researchers found that the percentage of people in the program who have undergone intimate partner violence has increased, with some using the funding to relocate or pay for new locks in their homes.

Building Trust and Empowerment

The cash assistance program has also helped build trust between victims and community organizations. Pepe Vega, Yale’s program lead for violence prevention outreach, said that the program allows people to see that the organizations are serious and mean what they say. The program has also empowered victims, with some using the funds to take control of their lives and make positive changes.

Original reporting: The Connecticut Mirror — read the source article.