King County domestic and sexual violence services available during COVID-19 outbreak

Advocacy organizations are adjusting their services to meet survivor needs

April 1, 2020 4:05 pm

As the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak spreads throughout the Puget Sound region, domestic and sexual violence programs in King County are adjusting their services to meet the ongoing needs of survivors in our communities.

Sexual and domestic violence service organizations are open and providing services, according to a press release Wednesday from the Seattle-based Coalition Ending Gender-based Violence, which connects over 30 member organizations, all of which are committed to providing the best services to communities throughout King County. Programs are carefully considering advisories from public health officials and are providing remote advocacy as much as possible, using phone, video and other strategies to support people who need help.

Core services available throughout the county include 24-hour hotlines; individual, legal, and medical advocacy; safety planning; mental health services; connection to resources; and housing.

Survivors are often more vulnerable in times of crisis and need support now more than ever. Social distancing may increase isolation and exacerbate abusive dynamics, while established safety plans, coping strategies, and community resources may be less available, especially for those who are already impacted by social inequities. We all have a role to play in creating safe communities, and friends and family are always welcome to call for support and resources to help their loved ones. As always, we encourage survivors of domestic and sexual violence to reach out for help and support.

King County’s domestic and sexual violence survivor service programs are working together in this crisis to ensure the least disruption of services possible. Coalition staff have been connecting with survivor service programs to solve problems, provide information and resources, and help programs meet survivors’ needs.

Resources

Domestic Violence

King County Hotlines available 24/7:

* Domestic Abuse Women’s Network: 425-656-7867

* LifeWire: 1-800-827-8840

* New Beginnings: 206-522-9472

* Peace In the Home Helpline (help available in multiple languages): 1-888-847-7205

Sexual Assault

* King County Sexual Assault Resource Center: 1-888-998-6423

National Hotlines available 24/7:

* National Deaf Hotline: 1-855-812-1001

* National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233