Thanks to the generosity of one of our donors, you can DOUBLE YOUR GIFT to StrengthUnited! Starting May 4, 2020, every dollar donated, up to $1,000, will be matched by this Challenge gift. Help us reach this challenge goal by making a donation today, and by sharing our campaign with your friends and colleagues.

As the number of Domestic Violence calls to hotlines across the city continues to rise, we are here for Survivors of violence and trauma. Our highly trained advocates and counselors are providing critical support, intervention, and resources during this extraordinary time for our community.

Our Crisis Hotline is staffed and available to our neighbors in need 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. We are so grateful for your support!

PS - Please help us spread the word about StrengthUnited and our campaign today!

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THANK YOU! Thanks to our StrengthUnited family, we are more than 60% to our fundraising goal on our “30 Hours for 30 Days” campaign, raising money to support our 24/7 Crisis Hotline operations.

As you know, we originally planned to raise $3,700, symbolizing how much it costs to operate our Hotline for one hour each day of April. But we didn’t know how much more important our Hotline would be become. During the current COVID-19 public health crisis, our 24/7 Hotline is more crucial than ever, providing urgent support and resources for members of our community experiencing violence and trauma.

Today we’re announcing a new goal of $6,000 to support our Hotline operations during this ongoing public health crisis. Will you help us reach our new goal by donating today at csunfunder.csun.edu/30Hours?

Citywide, organizations such as StrengthUnited have seen a 50% increase in calls from individuals living in abusive situations. Domestic abuse is known to increase in situations that cause added stress, financial anxiety, and other pressures in the home. At the same time, it can become even more difficult and dangerous for a survivor to reach out for help.

What can you do when you can’t be “Safer at home”? Thanks to partners like you, StrengthUnited is here to make sure that no Survivor is alone.

Los Angeles County has taken preventative measures in response to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), closures across schools and businesses to help reduce the spread of the virus, but for many survivors, staying home may not be the safest option. Abuse relies on a pattern of abuse and control. When survivors have to be in close proximity to their abuser, the abuser can use any tool to exert control over their victim, including a national health concern such as COVID-19. Read below for ways violence can impact persons surviving violence.

• A partner who abuses may withhold necessary items, such as hand sanitizer or disinfectants.
• A partner who abuses may share misinformation about the pandemic to control or frighten survivors, or to prevent them from seeking appropriate medical attention if they have symptoms.
• A partner who abuses may withhold insurance cards, threaten to cancel insurance, or prevent survivors from seeking medical attention if they need it.
• Travel restrictions may impact a survivor’s escape or safety plan – it may not be safe for them to use public transportation or to fly.
• A partner who abuses may feel more justified and escalate their isolation tactics.

Strength United is committed more than ever to the wellbeing of our community. Our 24/7 hotlines are operating and will be equipped to give COVID-19 resources. If you or anyone you know has been impacted violence or trauma please contact one of our advocates. Strength United advocates are available 24/7 at:

San Fernando Valley (818) 886-0453

Santa Clarita Valley (661) 253-0258

Additional Resources and Support for Survivors????????

• The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 24/7, confidential and free: 1-800-799-7233 and through chat.
• The National Sexual Assault Hotline is 24/7, confidential and free: 800.656.HOPE (4673) and through chat.
• The StrongHearts Native Helpline for domestic/sexual violence is available, confidential, and specifically for Native communities, 7am-10pm CT: 1−844-762-8483.
• The Trans LifeLine for peer support for trans folks. This hotline is staffed exclusively by trans operators, 9am-3am CT: 877-565-8860

COVID-19 INFORMATION????

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/