Connecticut Payment Resources
Summary of payment program
Billing
The patient does not have to pay for the sexual assault exam and evidence collection. The Office of Victim Services (OVS) of the Connecticut Judicial Branch reimburses hospitals for the sexual assault exam and the cost of completing the evidence collection. It is against state law for a patient/victim/survivor to receive a bill for the sexual assault exam and evidence collection.
The hospital may bill the patient or their insurance company for the costs of treatment for other injuries (for example, x-rays or stitches). The OVS Compensation Program may be able to help pay treatment related bills.
- State law prohibits health care facilities from billing sexual assault patients, either directly or indirectly, for the cost of gathering sexual assault evidence.
- Health care facilities are required by law to bill the costs of gathering sexual assault evidence to the CT Judicial Branch, Office of Victim Services.
- For the purposes of billing requirements, gathering sexual assault evidence means:
- The Commission will establish a payment amount to represent the costs of gathering evidence, and shall notify health care facilities of that amount and of any changes in that amount.
- If the patient receives a hospital bill for the sexual assault exam and evidence collection, please call OVS (1-888-286-7347 or 860-263- 2761) or a sexual assault advocate.
Payment
To apply for the Victim Compensation Program:
Type the information directly in the application, but the form must be printed out, signed and dated. The completed, signed application(s) may be mailed, faxed or emailed to:
Office of Victim Services Victim Compensation Unit225 Spring Street, 4th Floor
Wethersfield, CT 06109.
Fax: 860-263-2780
Email: OVSCompensation@jud.ct.gov
If the crime happened more than two (2) years from the date you are filing the application, you must also fill out the Application for Waiver of Two Year Filing Requirement and send it with your application.
Survivors of sexual violence only need to fill out the Victim Info, Claimant Info, Crime Info, and Statement of Facts and Authorization (signature) sections of the form to start processing the application. OVS will then follow up to get the rest of the necessary information needed to process the claim.
Eligibility requirements to receive victim compensation: You were injured during a crime or injured while helping police during a crime. You did not cause the crime or do anything illegal. You are cooperating with the police investigation; You are cooperating with the Victim Compensation Program.
The crime happened in Connecticut; or you live in Connecticut and the crime happened in a country that does not have a victim compensation program that you are eligible for and you were a victim of international terrorism or a victim of a crime that would be eligible for victim compensation in Connecticut.
The crime was reported to the police within five (5) days or within five (5) days of when a report could reasonably be made; or you are a victim of sexual assault, child abuse, or human trafficking and told certain medical providers, mental health providers, school personnel, or advocates about the crime; you went to a health care facility to have a sexual assault exam and evidence collection done; or a judge gave you a restraining order or a civil protection order; or you are a victim of domestic violence and told a domestic violence or sexual assault counselor about the crime, or a judge gave you a restraining order or a civil protection order.
You are filing the application within two (2) years of the date of the personal or emotional injury or death; Note: If the crime happened more than two (2) years from the date you are filing the application, you must also fill out the Application for Waiver of Two Year Filing Requirement and send it with your application.
Note: Connecticut does not require a police report in order for survivors of sexual violence to apply to the Victim Compensation Program. Unlike many other states, a disclosure to a certified sexual assault crisis counselor advocate is all that is needed. Visit Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence’s website to find your member center and speak with an advocate today. They can help you apply to the Victim Compensation Program.
Connecticut Victims Compensation Application
Connecticut Victims Compensation Brochure
Coordination with healthcare
Statewide Hotlines:
Counselors and advocates are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week to listen and offer support. They can provide information and resources. Advocates can accompany patients at hospitals, police departments and courts—if the patient so chooses. The patient does not have to go through this alone.
All direct services are free and confidential. They are available to all survivors in Connecticut—regardless
of age, sex, immigration status, race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or religious or spiritual beliefs.
Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence – Track Your Kit