Amidst COVID-19, CA Rape Crisis Centers Still Support Survivors

March 25, 2020 |
Valor

Sacramento, CA – As Californians adapt to an ongoing state of emergency, and health officials across the globe mitigate the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19), the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault and all rape crisis centers in California continue to support survivors of sexual violence.  We are making adjustments to ensure the safety of both survivors and those who provide services.
“This global crisis does not change the reality that sexual violence continues to be an everyday crisis in our communities.  For some people, shelter-at-home may increase the possibility of experiencing sexual violence. Our work will not end until all Californians can live free from sexual violence,” says CALCASA’s CEO Sandra Henriquez.
Rape crisis centers are always prepared to act in emergencies, and have long been first responders for Californians in need of immediate help.  When someone is sexually assaulted, California’s rape crisis centers are on call to provide critical support in that moment, including immediate counseling services and support as survivors receive a sexual assault forensic exam, and long-term support to heal from the assault. During this time of recommended physical distancing, we know we need to maintain social connection. Many rape crisis centers are taking safety precautions including adopting telecounseling and virtual community education.
We will not now, and will not ever, stop providing survivors of sexual assault with a place to turn to in their moment of crisis.  It is absolutely critical that rape crisis programs continue to be financially stable, and that the state and federal government provide assurance that the services we provide will continue.
In this time of a health crisis, safety for  our community members and of our survivors is paramount. California rape crisis centers provide a crucial safety net to all Californians.  Your local rape crisis center is still taking calls and providing support, and will always be committed to helping survivors of sexual assault everywhere, for as long as they need it.  We will continue to adapt, and we will continue to advocate for the best possible future for survivors of sexual assault in California, and to end sexual violence in our communities entirely.
Find the California rape crisis center in your community http://www.calcasa.org/agencies/
[Download not found] For questions, contact Carissa Gutierrez, Communications Manager, CALCASA carissa@calcasa.org or 916.599.1041