Sexual and domestic violence service organizations around the state are continuing to provide services, but under increasingly difficult circumstances. Some of these services may be modified or provided in other ways. Please locate and check in with your local program. Ask how you can help. Immediate needs for programs include paper products (toilet paper, paper towels, etc.), sanitizing products, diapers, and baby wipes. Monetary donations are always welcome and can assist in offsetting increased costs associated with this pandemic.
See below on updates from programs on how they’re serving sexual and domestic violence survivors during the COVID-19 Pandemic. This list will be updated as we receive the most up to date information. Please contact each program individually for any questions regarding their services.
During this COVID-19 pandemic and rapidly changing landscape, A New Leaf continues to provide critical services to individuals and families in need. The work we do is more important than ever. As an organization that works with vulnerable populations who are most at-risk, we are continuing to adapt our programs in order to maintain services. Many of our essential programs remain open as we follow guidance from the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to take precautionary measures and implement protocols for protection. A New Leaf programs, clinics and shelters remain open to serve our community, including: For information on these or other agency services, or for more information on A New Leaf’s COVID-19 response, please go to our website at www.turnanewleaf.org
We understand that times of uncertainty can bring with them added feelings of stress and anxiety. While public health best practices related to organizational responses to COVID-19 are rapidly developing and changing, our commitment to providing safety to Arizona communities remains the same. We want to assure you that the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) and Road to Rights team are committed to providing services to ACP applicants (victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual offenses, and stalking) and participants as well as trafficking victims and survivors. Because both ACP and Road to Rights function within the Secretary of State’s Office, we adhere to the Department of State’s response to COVID-19. The Department has temporarily suspended all in-person services, while maintaining its constitutional and statutory responsibilities, with the number one goal to keep the public and Department employees safe. The situation related to COVID-19 is rapidly developing, as is the response from this office and the state. We are committed to continuing service delivery while reducing exposure risks. As a result, the Address Confidentiality Program and Road to Rights team will continue to perform the essential functions of our division, following our continuing The Address Confidentiality Program continues to provide essential services, which include: communication with ACP participants, daily mail forwarding, application certifications, and communication with application assistants, state and local government agencies, and community stakeholders as our top priority. Our priority is to continue serving ACP participants in a way that ensures the safety of both participants and our team. We are here if you have any questions related to the Address Confidentiality Program, Road to Rights, or ACP’s functions for any ACP participants you may be working with. We are also available to assist with location-based safety planning. The ACP and Road to Rights team members For service providers throughout the state: This is a time to come together as a community and provide the best assistance possible. Please, on behalf of the ACP and Road to Rights team, remember to take care of yourselves. Self-care practices are important, especially now so we can be there for those that need us during this time of uncertainty. If you have any questions please feel free to email Merri Tiseth for ACP information at mtiseth@azsos.gov or Marli Mayon for Road to Rights at mmayon@azsos.gov.
operations plan. As of March 18, 2020, we are providing services and participating in community meetings based on the following:
o The next ACP Application Assistance (AA) trainings are scheduled to take place in-person on Tuesday, June 2nd– New and Tuesday, June 23rd – Refresher. We will assess the state of the pandemic closer to the training dates and determine whether either will be moved to a digital -webinar format, or postponed. Registration details can be found here.
o This page will be updated as new information becomes available for Application Assistants (AAs). AAs, please check here regularly for the most current information.
Road to Rights continues to provide essential services to victims and survivors of sex trafficking, including- responding to phone calls and emails from victims and survivors of sex trafficking and those working alongside victims and survivors of sex trafficking. In addition, the Road to Rights specialist will continue providing information to community partners;
o Road to Rights community trainings have moved from an inperson to digital – webinar format. Our May 7th webinar training is open to community members and service providers. Register here.
o ACP and Road to Rights staff will attend community meetings virtually or by
phone, when available. All telephone calls and emails will be returned for both programs, in priority
order. Response times may increase as call volume rises.
understand this is a challenging time for victims and survivors and we are here to help.
As we navigate the effects of COVID-19, all of us at BLOOM365 are committed to staying connected with teens and the trusted adults in their lives…because social connections matter. Our rapid transition to educating, advocating and activating in a virtual setting is a bit challenging, but we are making progress. Below you will find BLOOM365’s VIRTUAL PLAN to ensure our life saving work continues through and beyond this pandemic. Also included is more information on why moving our work to the digital space is critical and a reminder for our upcoming Arizona Gives Day Campaign. Next week, BLOOM365 teen Lead Peer Advocates will take over our social media accounts, sharing updates, messages and stories of hope, inspiration and support. Please follow along and join the conversation as we keep blooming with empathy, respect and kindness. With a heart full of hope and gratitude, Donna Bartos See how they’re going virtual with programs and services.
Founder & CEO
602.524.9607
Pathways program continues to accept intakes at this time and is providing as much services virtually or over the phone. Due to the high need of the population and that inability to meet with clients in-person, the service area has been extended to all of Maricopa County, not just the East Valley. We still have the ability to provide rental assistance and assistance with move-in costs. However, this process does take a little longer now that everything is done remotely. Counseling services are continuing and being provided via tele-med and phone. Victim Advocacy: 480-267-5761 Counseling: 480-980-9977
CPLC – De Colores Community Based Program for domestic violence and sexual assault WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!! PLEASE CALL 623-247-0454 OR 480-306-0266 // CPLC – De Colores Programa Comunitario Un Programa Para Violencia Domestica y Abuso Sexual ¡ESTAMOS AQUÍ PARA TI! POR FAVOR LLAME 623-247-0454 O 480-306-0266
During a time of great uncertainty as the world responds to the COVID-19 pandemic, Chrysalis remains steadfast in our commitment to serve our clients in a safe, empowering and effective way. We are open. Abuse doesn’t pause for a pandemic. In fact, we know that crisis situations can fan the flame of domestic violence and we are working around the clock to protect vulnerable victims, all while prioritizing the health and safety of our staff, clients and volunteers. We are taking every possible measure to ensure safety. Safety is and has always been our top priority. To that end: In the days to come, we will continue to share updates with you. Together we are strong. Thank you for being part of the solution and for going the extra mile to support those who are most vulnerable during this time. In Gratitude, Patricia Klahr
Chrysalis President & CEO
March 25, 2020 Those who have experienced domestic or sexual violence know all too well that life can change in an instant. Now, our entire community is experiencing uncertainty and unexpected changes that are evolving each day. During these trying times and as always, CAAFA remains committed to serving our communities. To domestic and sexual violence survivors: CAAFA is still here for you. We will continue to serve and support you and are dedicated to helping you seek safety, restoration, and justice. We are following safety guidelines from the Center for Disease Control and the Arizona Department of Health Services to ensure safety and mitigate exposure for participants and staff alike. To our food box recipients: To our generous community (who we affectionately refer to as the CAAFAmily): Domestic and sexual violence often worsens in times of isolation and extreme stress caused by situations like the COVID-19 crisis. Your support is needed more than ever. CAAFA cannot thank the community enough for your continued support and your added attention to the needs of domestic and sexual violence survivors during this crisis. From the bottom of our hearts: WE APPRECIATE YOU.
COVID-19 UPDATE
The health and wellbeing of our participants, staff, volunteers and the broader community is at the top of our minds as Emerge continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation in Pima County. Here are the updates related to our services and our external events. Please visit their COVID-19 page for the most up to date information on Emerge! services and needs. Domestic Abuse Services and Survivor Safety Emerge is taking the following precautions to protect the health and well-being of anyone accessing our services as well as the staff at Emerge: Emerge is not able to serve any individual who appears to be experiencing flu-like symptoms – specifically cough and/or fever – at Emerge sites. This includes our administration site (2545 E Adams St) as well. However, we do have telephonic support available. Please call our hotline at 520-795-4266 to be connected to services. Domestic abuse support services at Voices Against Violence and Su Futuro: appointments by phone are highly encouraged, and mandatory if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, specifically cough and/or fever. Walk-in appointments are temporarily suspended until further notice. Emergency Shelter: we are taking every precaution to ensure that the communal environment in which survivors and their children live is as clean and safe as possible. Emerge’s 24/7 multilingual hotline is still up and running. If you are in crisis, please call our hotline at 520-795-4266 and we can schedule a session over the phone or assist with safety planning. Thank you for your support. Survivor of the Year Luncheon on April 23 Every day, Emerge takes the health and wellness of the community seriously. It is what drives our staff to do this work, and allows survivors of domestic abuse to trust us to support their healing. In light of COVID-19, we will be rescheduling our annual Survivor of the Year Luncheon for October 12, 2020 at J.W. Starr Pass. While we typically hold this celebratory event in the spring, we find it fitting to hold it this year during October, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). Our hope is that holding this event during DVAM this year will energize the community further to learn about and advocate for ending domestic abuse in our community. If you have purchased a table, sponsorship or ticket to our event, we’ll be reaching out to you individually to discuss options. Please remember that despite the presence of this serious virus and the ways our community needs to respond for public health reasons, domestic abuse survivors are still experiencing violence. And now that our community is beginning to shut down and isolate further, that means domestic abuse survivors are forced to also isolate in the very spaces that may threaten their lives – not because of illness, but because of abuse. We continue to need your support to ensure our operations can remain sustainable at this time. While many services in our community, and even some at Emerge, can be delivered telephonically/electronically, our shelter operations cannot. In order to continue running this vital operation in our community, we have taken extra precautions in our communal shelter to ensure everyone will stay as safe and healthy as possible. Now that concerns about COVID-19/coronavirus have ramped up substantially in Pima County, our community is taking appropriate, necessary steps to protect ourselves. However, it also means that social service nonprofits serving vulnerable populations, like Emerge, can no longer readily access crucial items that can help keep domestic abuse survivors – who are communally living in our emergency shelter – safe from the potential spread. If you have an abundance of these items and you’re willing to donate part of your supply to help us keep domestic abuse survivors and their children safe, Emerge is currently in need of: We know many people need these items at this time, and we appreciate your consideration.
After review of all our policies and procedures and Board discussion, H.A.V.E.N. Family Resource Center is continuing to provide uninterrupted crisis response and victim services. Unfortunately- the need for crisis work and victim services tends to increase at times like this so we will continue to be available to anyone who needs our assistance. Staff has been encouraged to complete as much work from home as possible (client paperwork, statistics, follow up phone calls, etc) and obviously, stay away from coworkers and clients if any symptoms are present. We will still respond to the Center, court, on-scene and the hospital as needed. There will be times no one will actually physically be at the Center but ALWAYS available via telephone and/or email. We also have water, diapers, wipes, tissues, and other paper supplies available should we be made aware of someone who needs assistance. We will continue to meet the needs of our victims, survivors, and community members to the best of our abilities 24/7. I hope everyone is doing well and please take care of yourself and your families. Please let me know if anyone has any questions or concerns. Mary Lou O’Connell, M.Ed, LAC, Executive Director
All requests for medical forensic examinations will be triaged over the phone for symptomatic illness, travel, and risk for exposure to COVID 19. Visitors and nonessential staff are restricted at this time. The location of medical forensic examinations will be individually determined to continue to serve victims of crime. The health and safety everyone is imperative. Victims of sexual assault who do not choose to notify police can request an examination at 480-312-6339. These exams, called VAWA examinations, will be scheduled by appointment only at this time to ensure the safety of patients and healthcare providers. HonorHealth Victim Advocate Services HonorHealth Clinical Education Program All other inquires or requests, please contact Forensic Nurse Manager Jill Rable at jrable@honorhealth.com
HonorHealth Forensic Nursing Services
HonorHealth continues to provide care and services 24/7 to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence strangulation.
Office: 480-312-6340
24hr Pager: 602-720-5604
(Enter call back number after the beep)
The Victim Advocate will make telephonic contact with victims and provide ongoing supportive services telephonically.
Forensic Nurse Examiners scheduled for clinical preceptorship and skills-training have been suspended at this time. Contact Samantha Mendez at samendez@honorhealth.com for more information. Fees can be transferred to future dates or refunded upon request.
Jewish Family and Children Services, Shelter Without Walls During this very difficult time as we all respond to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, we want you to know that Shelter Without Walls is here for you. Our commitment to serving survivors of domestic violence has not changed. Here is what is not changing: We are a community based, comprehensive case management and advocacy program and we remain open for business. We are accepting referrals, completing intakes, and providing support, DV education, lay legal advocacy, safety planning, and case management, information and referrals. As always, anyone needing our assistance can contact our main line at (602) 452-4640 (English) or (602) 534-3087 (Spanish) Here is what will change: We are working primarily remotely. We return calls within 24 hours, Monday through Friday. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911. Our physical offices are closed until further notice. We will be providing all of our usual support and assistance by phone and when possible other remote technologies. This includes: At this time, all of our support groups and classes have been suspended until we are able to safely and responsibly resume providing them. We remain committed to providing support to the members of our community. Although the way we do our work is changing rapidly, we are adapting and we promise to keep you informed as things change. JFCS is following the latest guidance from the CDC and ADHS. Safety for our clients, our staff and our community is our top priority. To view our latest program updates, please visit www.jfcsaz.org/jfcscommunityserviceupdate. In community, Mimi Kaplan and all of us at Shelter Without Walls
Dear Community Partners, We all know these are unprecedented times. The widespread impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus) has caused New Life Center to rethink how we can best serve Arizona for the foreseeable future. Please rest assured: our commitment to serving survivors of sexual / domestic violence does not change. However, the way we provide services will look different. Here is what is not changing: Our crisis hotline is available 24-hours a day at: (623) 932-4404. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911. Our emergency crisis shelter will remain open and our mobile advocates will still be providing services via phone. Here’s what will change: Hope’s Closet will be closed until further notice. At this time, we are no longer accepting donations at Hope’s Closet, or picking up donations. Our Volunteer Program will be paused until further notice. We will reach out weekly with updates to our current volunteers. We understand that these are uncertain and unsettling times. Please know that we remain committed to providing support and safety to the members of our community. Although the way we do our work is changing rapidly, we promise to keep you informed. We value you and we are grateful for the opportunity to serve Arizona. We will keep in touch with updates on our work. Thank you for your support! In Community, Myriah Mhoon, CEO
(623) 932-4404
Native Health is continuing to provide telephonic advocacy & referrals over the phone and am able to schedule individuals for intake assessments to get started with behavioral health counseling related to domestic violence & sexual assault. There are some limitations with being able to provide hygiene kits, or disposable emergency phones due to being unable to do “in-person” contact per the agency policy related to COVID-19. Contact NATIVE HEALTH for more information to you can call the DVPI Case Manager directly at 602-279-5262 ext. 3211 or by email. gstacey@nachci.com
The FAC is open to the public and continues to provide clients with critical safety services; orders of protection, shelter assistance, and advocacy. Please contact a FAC Victim Advocate to obtain help with services at 602-534-2120 or 1-888-246-0303.
Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Family Advocacy Center Today, President Harvier announced that starting tomorrow, March 19, 2020 through April 1, 2020, the SRPMIC Government will transition to essential services. The FAC Team have been working to identify essential services and staff to the meet the Community’s needs. The attached document outlines our plan. Please remember if you are at home during this time, you should monitor your phone and be prepared to respond to tasks that may include returning to work. Thank you for your willingness, flexibility, and positive attitude during this difficult time. FAC Essential Services FAC Police Department Detectives Social Services Child Protective Service Suspected Child Abuse Neglect (SCANS) meetings Forensic Interviews (FI) Forensic Medical Exams (FME) Non-Essential FAC Services Important Numbers for Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community All other inquires or request please contact FAC Director, Carol Ann Colmenero 480-930-3803/ carol.colmenero2@srpmic-nsn.gov
At this time, here are the additional precautions we’re taking to limit the spread of COVID-19 for individuals utilizing SACASA’s services (starting Wednesday, March 18, 2020): 1. The Country Club location/SACASA’s offices will be closed. But, we’re still here for you! 2. Advocates: SACASA Advocates will simply be working remotely. They’ll still be answering the crisis line and, if you want, can do Zoom video chats with you to provide you with support, information, resources, etc. 3. Therapists: SACASA therapists can still hold your regularly scheduled individual therapy appointments, they’ll just be done over the telephone or via Zoom video chat if you want and are able. This way, you can limit any additional exposure to COVID-19 and still have your important therapy services. 4. Therapy Groups: We’ve cancelled all groups at SACASA and CODAC for right now. But, if you need some extra support from a therapist, please call us and we’ll try to set up a telephone call or video chat (primarily for existing SACASA therapy clients). Feel free to reach out to your therapist or a SACASA Advocate via the crisis hotline. 5. Hospital Response: We are working closely with the Tucson Medical Center (TMC) Emergency Department (ED) where the majority of sexual assault victims are asked to go for medical care and medical forensic exams. Currently, TMC is screening all individuals for COVID-19 in the parking lot; anyone at risk is being admitted into the ED through a back entrance – away from the designated SACASA Exam Room. We have made arrangements with TMC leadership for sexual assault victims to be brought into the SACASA Exam Room/Quiet Room as soon as possible, bypassing other typical ED waiting areas and services whenever medically possible. With these precautions for victims and staff — limiting exposure to COVID-19 — our Advocates and Forensic Examiners will continue to provide in-hospital services. We will update this page if the protocol needs to change. Why did we close the office? We are following CDC recommendations for employees to work remotely when possible. SACASA’s Advocates frequently work out in the community — out of the office — so it was an easy decision for their health and the health of others. Call Us: Thank you for joining us in our goal to keep SACASA clients and staff healthy!
Please don’t hesitate to call us 24/7 at (520) 327-7273.
See their updates online.
Sojourner Center Lay Legal Advocacy program Update: It has been recommended by all courts to keep appointments via phone, and advising victims that they can complete their order of protection petitions online at AzPoint not only for their own protection, but for also to keep employees safe and healthy. That said, effective 3/25 Sojourner Center Lay Legal Advocates will not be present at Municipal, Justice, or Superior courts, but will continue to assist victims via phone until further notice. We will be able to assist with AzPoint petitions for orders of protection, individualized safety planning, as well as resources and referrals. Lay Legal Advocates will be available Monday thru Friday from 8am to 5pm. Brianda, 424-229-2892, rmirales@sojournercenter.org Muriel, 602-350-0821, mgutierrez@sojournercenter.org Raquel, 424-241-3734, rbalcazar@sojournercenter.org Rosa, 602-826-2609, rmirales@sojournercenter.org