ACESDV

End Sexual & Domestic Violence

You are here: Home / COVID-19

COVID-19

Read ACESDV’s statement on COVID-19.

See below for resources and information on serving sexual and domestic violence survivors during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. We’ll update this page frequently with the most up to date information and resources.

The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV) is making changes in response to the pandemic of COVID-19. Our primary commitment is to the health and safety of survivors of sexual and domestic violence and their families. That has not and will not change during this pandemic.

Survivors are often more vulnerable in times of crisis and need our support now more than ever.

ACESDV’s Sexual and Domestic Violence Services Helpline is still open and operating the regular hours of 8:30a – 5:00p, Monday – Friday with Victim Services Specialists available to assist in Spanish and English, by phone 602-279-2980 or online through chat. While our staff are primarily working remotely from the safety of their homes, we have measures in place to maintain full confidentiality and are continuing operations and support to survivors and the community.

Effective immediately, ACESDV has implemented the following changes:

  • All ACESDV staff are working remotely.
  • We have cancelled or postponed in-person trainings, site visits, and events scheduled through the end of April. We have made as many meetings virtual as possible. We will continue to monitor the situation and make decisions on an ongoing basis. Please check our website regularly for updates and information.
  • We are working closely with our member domestic violence and sexual assault advocacy programs throughout the state to support their needs during this time.
  • ACESDV is still open and operating. You can reach us through our main line at 602-279-2900 and via message through our website.
  • Learn what you can do if someone you know is experiencing sexual or domestic
    violence. (English and Spanish)

Update on Victim Services:

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. See updates on how Arizona programs are continuing services during the pandemic. 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.

ACESDV supports the efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. We appreciate all of our partners, health care professionals, first responders, and public officials who are making difficult decisions during these times.

For information on developing your own response, visit the Arizona Department of Health Services coronavirus response page, as well as the CDC’s website. Specific resources for serving survivors during the pandemic are listed below.

Resources from ACESDV:

Resources from National organizations addressing domestic violence and victim services:

Policy Updates:

For People with Disabilities and Older Adults:

Multilingual Resources:

Legal Resources in Arizona:

Immigration Related Resources:

Hospital Accompaniment & Guidelines:

Programs are encouraged to connect with their Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) members to ensure coordination of services. Some information to discuss with SART members:

  • Is the hospital restricting access to “non-essential” visitors, and what does that mean for advocates responding to the hospital?
  • Has the advocacy program modified their services in anyway (e.g. telephone services only?)
  • If an advocate is unable to provide in-person hospital response, coordinate with the advocate about how they might be available to the survivor by phone.
  • If a survivor has an opportunity to speak with an advocate by phone, please ensure the survivor is able to talk with the advocate in a private location at the hospital that promotes confidentiality.

Programs should take guidance directly from local health officials. Advocate on behalf of survivors that medical care following sexual violence is to be considered a medical emergency and not an elective procedure. We all must be creative and flexible so that access to patient care is not compromised or delayed.

Forensic and Emergency Nurse Association resources:

Housing, Employment, Childcare and other general Resources in Arizona:

For Parents & Caregivers:

Tribal Resources:

Self-care, Healing and Grounding tools:

Tips for working from home:

Federal Guidance:

Messaging and Statement Guidance:

ACESDV Media Coverage During COVID-19:

Sample Emergency Closure/Paid Administrative Leave Policies:

  • Emergency Closure: When the [agency name] office is unexpectedly closed because of uncontrollable factors (i.e., blizzard, tornado, flood, pandemic health crisis), staff scheduled to work will be considered excused absence with paid administrative leave and will not be charged to an individual’s PTO. If the office is closed during an employee’s previously-scheduled PTO or holiday leave, the time off must still be charged to the employee’s PTO balance. Extended closure beyond 3 (three) work days is subject to review and alternate arrangements may be required in order for employees to continue receiving pay; employees will be given 24 (twenty-four) hours’ notice of any such required arrangements.
  • Paid Administrative Leave: In the event of an Act of God (i.e., tornado, flood, pandemic health crisis) [agency name] may have to temporarily reduce or cease business activities. If this were to occur, staff may be placed on paid administrative leave.

Sample Remote Work/Flexible Workplace Policies

  • Remote Work: Working remotely is permitted only in special circumstances with prior approval from the employee’s supervisor and for specified tasks or projects. With Executive Director approval, a specific job description may be designated as remote in order to attract or retain qualified staff; however, this designation may be removed at any time. Remote employees are expected to maintain regular work schedules to accommodate the needs of [agency name], and they shall report for duty in [city or region] when deemed appropriate by their supervisor.
  • See CCASA Flexible Workplace Policy