San Mateo County renews commitment to supporting survivors of domestic abuse year-round
San Mateo County, California – The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors has renewed its commitment to safeguarding survivors of domestic abuse. They want everyone to know that support is accessible every day, not just in October, which is Domestic abuse Awareness Month.
Supervisors Noelia Corzo and Lisa Gauthier proposed a proclamation to show support for people who have been abused. Corzo said that domestic abuse affects people of different ages, genders, and backgrounds. Corzo emphasized that working together as a community is very important, and that this should include survivors, activists, police, health care providers, and local groups.
Gauthier agreed, telling people to remember those who have died from domestic abuse and to help those who are still in danger.
“We must stand with survivors, honor those we’ve lost and recommit to safety and dignity for everyone in San Mateo County,” Gauthier said during the Board’s Oct. 21 meeting.
The proclamation once again drew attention to disturbing national data that suggest that more than one in three women, one in four men, and one in two transgender people will be victims of abuse or stalking by an intimate partner at some point in their lives. It also said that individuals who are not citizens, transgender, or disabled are more likely to be abused and have trouble getting help.
Officials in San Mateo County talked about a number of programs that have made local support systems stronger in the last few years. The Coalition to End Violence, Abuse, and Exploitation coordinates preventative efforts across the region. The Domestic Violence Emergency Response Team (DVERT) links trained advocates with police to respond to emergencies. The county has also developed the Survivor Safe Team to handle cases that are very dangerous, the SPARK program to help families heal from trauma, and the Family Justice Center, which is the first full-service center for helping survivors.
Corzo said that these programs are part of a bigger effort to make sure that survivors get treatment quickly and effectively.
Corzo said the County’s focus is on “making sure that we have the right services at the right time for our community members to heal.” She called the proclamation both “a recognition of the work that has been done and a call to keep moving forward until all are free from abuse, violence and exploitation.”
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Communities Overcoming Relationship Abuse (CORA), the county’s only organization focused solely on intimate partner violence, reported that it delivered over 10,000 services last year and distributed more than $1 million in assistance for emergency shelter, rent, and other vital needs.
County leaders encouraged anyone in danger to reach out. “Domestic violence can look different in every situation. It can be physical harm, emotional abuse or words that slowly diminish your spirit,” Gauthier said. “We are here to uplift your voices and remind you, you are not alone.”
CORA’s 24-hour hotline can be reached at 800-300-1080, and survivors can email [email protected] for help.
