Established in 1979, The Rowan Center has been a cornerstone for the eight towns of lower Fairfield County, delivering free and confidential 24/7 support to individuals affected by sexual violence. They work to support victims and survivors, empower them, and educate communities to foster a more compassionate environment for those in need.
The agency offers a range of essential services, including an immediate and confidential crisis hotline, crisis counseling, and a comprehensive Sexual Assault Victim Advocate Training Program. They also run a Volunteer Program and a Justice Advocacy initiative, which educates local law enforcement on the impact of sexual assault trauma to ensure best practices are followed.
Additionally, their dedicated Sexual Assault Crisis Advocates provide support and accompaniment to hospitals, police stations, and courthouses, offering victims and survivors strength and guidance when they need it most.
Building on its commitment to expand access to essential resources, Rowan’s most notable achievement in 2024 was the opening of the Trauma Recovery Clinic. This new service provides long-term therapy to community members who may not otherwise have access to crucial mental health care. To qualify, members must be at least 18 years old and have Husky as their primary insurance provider.
The Rowan Center is currently bringing advocacy rights to the education systems of Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Norwalk, Stamford, Weston, Westport, and Wilton. In addition to its 10+ educational workshops, designed to support developmental needs from pre-K through college, the Center also runs a Student Advisory Board.
The Student Advisory Board allows students to assist in the Rowan Center’s mission to eliminate sexual violence by providing insight, awareness, and perspectives on sexual violence in high schools. Meeting virtually once a month, students from all eight towns collaborate to create new ways to raise awareness about sexual prevention and the Rowan Center’s welcoming resources.
“As residents of Fairfield County, we typically think of ourselves as living in a ‘bubble’ protected from a lot of the problems that the rest of the country faces. Many people, however, are unaware or choose to ignore the fact that sexual violence is still a serious problem that affects Fairfield County,” says Bronwyn Fitzgerald, Co-chair of the Student Advisory Board and a senior at Darien High School.
Ishanvi Jaiswal, a sophomore at Wilton High School and a member of the Student Advisory Board, said: “Because of this, victims may feel isolated or unable to seek proper help due to the lack of awareness around the subject. It is important to break the stigma around the issue and prevent others from feeling alone in such situations. I strongly believe that nothing is going to change unless more people are willing to advocate for it. It has been incredibly fulfilling working with the Rowan Center’s Student Advisory Board because I feel proud of my contributions to progress, even if it’s only within our small town in Connecticut.”
For more information on how to get involved or help someone in need, visit therowancenter.org or call the Rowan Center Sexual Assault Hotline at (203) 329- 2929.
