Remote Resources for Gender- and Power-Based Violence
Table of Contents 2
How does gender- & power-based violence relate to public health (& COVID-19)
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Continuing to stay healthy and heal from trauma
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Engaging in Prevention While Social Distancing
Tips on transitioning to on-line classes
Remote Resources
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Fulfilling Basic Needs
Considerations
HOW DOES GENDER- & POWER-BASED VIOLENCE RELATE TO PUBLIC HEALTH (& COVID-19)? Gender- & power-based violence advocacy has roots in public health frameworks and models of behavior change. Our movement utilizes infrastructure from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for violence prevention, the very same way they navigate disease & virus spread prevention. The CDC uses a Social-Ecological Model (SEM) to situate individual human behavior within larger societal structures.
Each of these levels contribute to spheres of influence – societal norms, attitudes and beliefs trickle into our communities, relationships, and influence our own individual attitudes and beliefs. And while we are deeply influenced by the society we are socialized in, this model is also bidirectional – we, as individuals, have the power to influence our relationships, the communities we inhabit, and therefore, our broader society. At each level of this model, we can evaluate Risk Factors (something that makes an individual more likely to experience something) and Protective Factors (something that mitigates those risk factors). For COVID-19, risk factors may look like coughing into your hands (individual) or absence of isolation regulations (societal/community). However, we are learning that protective factors include washing your hands (individual) or closing non-essential businesses (community). For violence prevention, risk factors for perpetration include personal history of abuse (individual) or strict adherence to gender norms (societal). In violence prevention, we focus our energy on protective factors for perpetration: building empathy (individual), affiliation with pro-social peers (relationships), improving housing accessibility (community), and equity across race, ethnicity, nation, class, gender identity, sexuality, ability, and more (societal).
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HOW DOES GENDER- & POWER-BASED VIOLENCE RELATE TO PUBLIC HEALTH (& COVID-19)? There are 3 tiers of violence prevention that we can engage in, on each of the 4 levels in the SEM.
UPSTREAM
stopping violce before it occurs
MIDSTREAM
immediate response to violence
DOWNSTREAM
long-term response to violence
In these three tiers of prevention, prevention specialists are looking to intervene far before violence takes place – developing a community culture & belief system that is inhospitable for violence to ever occur. We can use this same framework in regards to pandemics like COVID-19 – “upstream” prevention looks like social distancing, mass quarantines or business closures, etc; the expectation being that the virus doesn’t even have to spread in the first place. Downstream prevention is developing infrastructure for our healthcare system. As with all societal & public health issues, those who are more marginalized in our society are more greatly impacted by the consequences of the issue. Undocumented immigrants, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ communities, people of color, poor & working class people, etc – all of these groups are simultaneously more likely to experience violence, AND have limited access to healthcare/higher vulnerability for this COVID-19 virus. True primary prevention, for all public health issues, means true equity across all identities, and reshaping our society to uplift the most vulnerable.
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HOW DOES GENDER- & POWER-BASED VIOLENCE RELATE TO PUBLIC HEALTH (& COVID-19)? All of these issues are rooted in power & control. Who has agency in this healthcare crisis; who has agency in abusive relationships? Who has the ability to self-quarantine; who has the ability to live independently apart from their abuser? Survivor-centered, trama-informed care means centering the experiences of the most marginalized at the core of our advocacy efforts, and amplifying the voices of those who need to be heard most. Recognize how public health crises like COVID-19 may impact survivors of violence. Continue reading our guide for further insight.
HOW CAN I ENGAGE IN PREVENTION EFFORTS WHILE SOCIAL DISTANCING? Community care is prevention. Having empathy for others is prevention. If you have the ability, consider utilizing your resources (social, financial, etc) for the greater good of the community. Acknowledge that those at most risk for contracting COVID-19 are immunocompromised folks, folks over the age of 65 – if you are under the age of 65 and are not immunocompromised, how can you offer yourself to promote the holistic wellbeing of your community? Take a look at some resources below and ideas to stay involved.
HelpSLO
[website / Facebook group] -
“This is a place for community members to help each other as we navigate the coronavirus and our day-to-day lives. If you are in a vulnerable population, post a need (food, supplies, medication refills). If you are able to help, respond to the request and finish your planning through direct messages or phone calls. Please do not post personal information (phone numbers or addresses) on the group page. People can also send emails to helpslocounty@gmail.com and I will add a request to the page on their behalf. Finally, check us out at helpslo.com. Peace to you all!”
SLO Food Bank
https://www.slofoodbank.org
“Things may change at a moment’s notice, but right now the biggest needs that we have are: Monetary Donations People in our community will be sent home from work without pay, schools and childcare facilities are closed, and not everyone has enough money to stock up on food. We are expecting an increasing demand for our services soon. If you have extra, please consider donating to help those who do not have enough. As for donations of food, we ask that you DO NOT send in food donations at this time to avoid nonessential travel. Healthy Volunteers Our operations rely heavily on volunteers! Many of our dedicated volunteers fall in the governor’s noted vulnerable populations. We need people who can come and help us pack bags of fresh produce and bags of shelf-stable items for our food distributions. Volunteers must be 16 years or older, show no signs of respiratory illness and follow all recommended guidelines to reduce the contact with and/or spread of COVID-19. Please visit our website to sign up for a volunteer shift.”
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HOW CAN I ENGAGE IN PREVENTION EFFORTS WHILE SOCIAL DISTANCING? ReadySLO
https://www.readyslo.org
Stay up-to-date on local news in your community – both your hometown where you may be residing right now, and in San Luis Obispo as your second home.
While being informed is important during this ever-changing time, please remember that self-care is crucial, and setting boundaries around taking in news is completely understandable. See if your local neighborhood has a Nextdoor online community to stay connected at a hyper-local level.
Stay in touch
Connect with your neighbors, family members, loved ones, etc – while practicing social distancing. It is crucial that, for the well-being of our global beloved community, that we “flatten the curve” of this virus spreading and severely impacting our healthcare system.
Ideas for virtual connection
Dig up your favorite recipe & Facetime with a loved one while cooking! Pick your favorite movie on Netflix and set up a Skype call with a friend to watch it together. Find games you can play online, or use the “GamePigeon” texting app on your iPhone to continue playing games with your friends. Amid this global panic, it is crucial to check in with those around you. If you have the emotional capacity, reach out to your friends with mental illness or immunocompromising diseases. Support your community through empathy, active listening, and validation. This is a scary time – but we are here to support one another.
Engage in Sexual Assault Awareness Month Programming
April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, is going virtual. Instead of our pre-planned in-person workshops and events, we will be promoting a month-long social media campaign about sexual violence prevention. Follow us @CalPolySafer on Instagram to stay up-to-date!
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CONTINUING TO STAY HEALTHY AND HEAL FROM TRAUMA DESPITE COVID-19 DISRUPTION It can be troublesome to telecommute to classes, to have to stay home from work, and miss in-person therapy or other life-giving practices you engage in. Consider integrating some of these following practices to reduce COVID-19 related anxiety and to maintain your commitment to self-care: Wash your hands, eat well, move intentionally, and get adequate sleep Move through that “to read” booklist you’ve been compiling over the years Schedule your time indoors and focus on addressing your physical and mental wellbeing, flex your creativity, and make time for fun Read up on Holistic Support for Immunity and Virus Protection Check out this list of at-home workout streaming services ($) Check out this list of free trial periods for at-home workout streaming services Learn a new skill on Skillshare or EdX Stay in touch with an Advocate or a Counselor If you want to eat out – check out your local takeout options, even some traditional dine-in only restaurants are offering takeout services at this time Join a virtual wellbeing workshop Keep a happiness jar Check out this list and this list for free audio resources for mindful meditation Journal or write notes to people that you love Limit time scrolling through #coronavirus – implement this website blocker Video chat your friends, family, and loved ones – social distancing does not mean we are cancelling human contact Explore Traditional Indigenous Kinship Practices at Home: Being Child-Centered During the Pandemic For COVID-19 specific anxiety – you can call this peer-run warm line if you live in California at 1-855-845-7415 for emotional support.
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“TIPS FOR TRANSITIONING TO ONLINE CLASSES” FROM @LATINAGRADGUIDE ON INSTAGRAM:
Continue your usual routine.
“I wake up and I change into my work clothes. This helps me to prepare for the work that I will do. I have found that I am not as productive when I stay in my PJs or wear comfy clothes. Plus, it always helps to be ready just in case you have a last-minute Zoom call scheduled with your advisor, a coworker, or another classmate.”
Try the Pomodoro Method.
“If you have a hard time focusing, you can always set up a timer for 25 minutes where you do uninterrupted work for that time an then you can take a 5-minute break. You can then repeat this process. This is especially helpful when looking for references or skimming research.”
Check your video, audio and that a Zoom (or other video chat) link works.
“With synchronous sessions, I always found it helpful to sign on early and make sure that my camera was working as well as my audio. This saves a lot of time and eliminates the ‘Can you hear me?’ question.
Ask for the lecture/seminar to be recorded.
“Sometimes there will be a lot of good points brought up and discussed in the lecture/seminar. If it is recorded, you can then access it later and you can be a more active participant in real time.”
Try not to focus too much on the chat.
“Often times my classmates and I will use the chat option on Zoom to ask questions, but sometimes that takes away from the lecture/seminar discussion.”
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REMOTE RESOURCES FOR SURVIVORS OF GENDER- AND POWER-BASED VIOLENCE The following list includes resources that can be accessed remotely by survivors of gender- and power-based violence. If you find yourself in need of support at any time, do not hesitate to reach out to any of the following entities. Additionally, if you are a supporter of a survivor of sexual assault, dating or domestic violence, sexual exploitation, or stalking - please make sure that they are aware of the following remote services:
24/7 HOTLINES AND TEXT OR CHAT SERVICES SEXUAL ASSAULT, DV, AND STALKING RISE Crisis Line (24/7) - local 855-886-7473 StrongHeart Native Helpline (7am-10pm CST) specifically for Native communities 1-844-762-8483 Trans LifeLine (9am-3am CST) peer support for trans folks, crisis line w/ police against non-consensual active rescue 877-565-8860 Deaf Abused Women's Network (DAWN) (24/7 Video Phone) 1-855-812-1001 La Red/The Network (24/7) for lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender, BDSM, polyamorous communities support available in English and Spanish 800-832-1901 Pathways to Safety International (24/7) for Americans experiencing gender-based violence abroad 1-833-723-3833
SEXUAL ASSAULT National Sexual Assault Hotline (24/7) 800-656-HOPE (4673) | chat 1in6 (24/7 chat helpline) for male-identified survivors of sexual abuse or assault chat Safe Helpline (24/7) for service members in the Department of Defense 877-995-5247 | chat
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REMOTE RESOURCES FOR SURVIVORS OF GENDER- AND POWER-BASED VIOLENCE DATING/DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Stand Strong Crisis Line (24/7) - local domestic/dating violence, stalking only 805-781-6400 National Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7) 1-800-799-7233 | chat National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline (24/7) 1-866-331-9474 | or Text 22522
RESOURCES FOR PARENT/GUARDIAN SUPPORTERS National Parent Helpline (Monday-Friday, 12pm-9am CST) emotional support and advocacy for parents 1-855-2736
REMOTE COUNSELING SERVICES 1in6 | https://supportgroup.1in6.org/ weekly online support group for men who were sexually abused or assaulted, facilitated by a counselor Schedule Monday | 4—5:30pm PDT Tuesday | 4—5:30pm PDT Wednesday | 5—6:30pm PDT Thursday | 4—5:30pm PDT Friday | 9—10:30am PDT 7 Cups | https://www.7cups.com free online text chat with a trained listener for emotional support and counseling. Also offers fee-for-service online therapy with a licensed therapist or counselor Counseling Services at Cal Poly | 805-756-2511 call to schedule, inform front desk you are social distancing – phone-based appointments available LifeMatters by Empathia 1-800-367-7474 | read more here free Employee Assistance Program for Faculty and Staff provided by Cal Poly
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REMOTE RESOURCES FOR SURVIVORS OF GENDER- AND POWER-BASED VIOLENCE CONNECTING WITH LOCAL RESOURCES If you've already returned to your in-state hometown in the wake of Cal Poly going virtual for instruction, you can also search for your local sexual assault crisis center via the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault's (CALCASA) agency database by clicking here and entering your city or county name. You can search for local domestic/dating violence crisis centers via the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence's (CPEDV) agency database by clicking here and entering your city name or zip code. If you aren't finding any services near you in these searches, or if you are an out-of-state student, you can run a quick internet search by opening your browser and entering the name of the nearest city + "sexual assault crisis center" or "domestic violence crisis center". As always, you can email Safer (safer@calpoly.edu) if you need assistance in getting connected with a local resource. If you are currently abroad, please connect with us so we provide you with a list of services near you/stay in contact with until you are back in the States!
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CONSIDERATIONS FOR THOSE EXPERIENCING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Social distancing or quarantine can increase isolation and danger for survivors of domestic or dating violence. Please consider the following if you are currently living with someone who is causing you harm:
SAFETY PLAN FOR COVID-19 HOME-STAY! BEFORE THE VIOLENCE OCCURS/BETWEEN VIOLENT OUTBURSTS: - If an abuser shows patterns in their violent behavior try to be aware of signs that indicate rising tension, - Keep sharp or heavy objects in hard to reach places so they are not easily accessible in an outburst, - Identify the places in your home where you are least likely to experience injury (rooms with soft carpeting, rooms without potential weapons), - If there are children in your home – prep your children to avoid outbursts (identify a code word for when they are to run to get help from a neighbor/hide in a safer area of the home, tell them to not attempt to protect you from the violence, and remind any children that the violence is not right and that the violence is not their fault), - Keep a copy of important papers in your car, backpack, or handbag in the event you must flee quickly, - Practice different ways to escape your home safely.
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SAFETY PLAN FOR COVID-19 HOME-STAY! WHEN VIOLENCE OCCURS: - Run the opposite direction from children or pets and into “safer” areas of your home, - Try to find a corner or another space that limits 360-degree access to your body, - Make yourself as small as possible and protect your head and face with your arms, - Avoid wearing long scarves or jewelry that the abuser could use to strangle you.
WAYS TO GET HELP: - In a public place, yell “Fire!”, - If you can keep hold of a phone – dial 911, - Let friends and neighbors you trust know what is occurring inside the home and make plans with them for when you need help so that they are prepared and ready to assist you, - If you can, call domestic violence assistance programs from time to time to discuss your experience – even if you are not intending to leave your partner at the time. - Check in from time to time with a neighbor, crisis organization, or friend regarding your safety and support needs! (See above list for orgs)
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FULFILLING YOUR BASIC NEEDS If you have returned home for finals, Spring Break, and Spring Quarter – dial 2-1-1to be connected with your local United Way. United Way runs free, confidential referral and information helplines and websites to connect our neighbors to essential basic needs resources. The following resource lists contain information that is relevant for survivors remaining in San Luis Obispo as well as those who are residing far away, however, some of the resources are specific to San Luis Obispo County. If you need help getting connected to basic needs resources in your area, please do not hesitate to reach out to an Advocate at Safer who can facilitate this connection for you!
Food
Campus Dining is currently open with social distancing rules in place, Campus Dining will also support students in quarantine on campus The Cal Poly Food Pantry is currently operational on the Ground Floor of the Health Center, Monday-Friday from 10 am to 2 pm Continue checking Campus Health & Wellbeing’s Housing and Dining updates on COVID-19 if it pertains to you Countywide charitable food organizations will still be operational. If you or someone you know needs food in SLO County, call the SLO Food Bank at 805-238-4664 for a list of open distribution locations Children in SLO County can receive free meals via drive-thru or walk-up to various locations (all children must be present to receive their meal; service provided to all those age 18 and under)
Housing
Residence Halls are still open with social distancing rules in place Continue checking Campus Health & Wellbeing’s Housing and Dining updates around COVID-19 For emergency shelter, if you are fleeing violence, RISE is accepting survivors in need of housing that are not exhibiting symptoms/have been directly exposed to someone who is ill Our San Luis Obispo area agencies offer shelter options to be explored at Prado/Maxine Lewis Memorial, Family Care Network, Family Supportive Services, 5 Cities Homeless Coalition, and People’s Self-Help Housing Experiencing homelessness? “What if you can’t stay home?” and COVID-19 Guidance for People Experiencing Homelessness without Shelter.
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Childcare If you are employed by the University and your child’s school is closed, and you are without childcare – consider talking to your supervisor about an alternative/reduced schedule or telecommuting.
Transportation SLO Transit suggests downloading the Transit Token App in order to limit points of contact with others during your transit rides Consider what Uber, Lyft, and other ride share apps are doing in response to the outbreak Enterprise (car rentals) has dropped the minimum rental age to 18 and waived the younger driver fee for university students needing to get back home
Finances Consider searching Mustang Jobs for temporary Student Assistant positions where you can complete remote tasks for various departments List of Banks Offering to Help Customers Impacted by the Coronavirus If you are a small business owner - on March 20th, the Small Business Administration will release the Economic Injury Disaster Loan COVID-19 Financial Solidarity – Financial Needs Request Google Sheet COVID-19 Relief Fund for LGBTQIA+ BIPOC Folks Coronavirus Care Fund for Domestic and Low Wage Workers Emergency Relief Funds for Sex Workers
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Employment Concerns Some states permit workers to file for unemployment if they are forced to miss shifts or are working reduced hours due to the outbreak, so check out your state’s unemployment insurance benefits! The Family Medical Leave Act may pertain to your situation and protect you from losing your job if you are experiencing a serious health condition or if you are taking care of a family member that is experiencing a serious health condition. Read more about FMLA On a state-by-state basis, you may be able to file a disability claim with the labor office if you are a worker that has been exposed to the virus and are now quarantined. Local legal aid offices are standing by to support workers in understanding how to file this and what their employer is responsible for Self-Employed/Independent Contractor? Read here.
Important Considerations Student Resources – Storage, Internet, and Transportation UHaul Spectrum - to enroll, call 1-844-488-8395. Comcast – Am I Eligible? | Apply here Enterprise Navigating COVID-19 and Chest Binding Ask your health care provider about receiving a 90-day supply of necessary medications instead of a 30- and 60-day supply Harm reduction – drug use during COVID-19 Sex Workers Are Facing Increasingly Risky Conditions as Coronavirus Spreads
This resource list was compiled from information and tips found at Futures Without Violence, RAINN, WomensLaw.org, SLO County Public Health, the Center for Disease Control, NAMI, Campus Health and Wellbeing at Cal Poly, and Victim Connect.
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ACCESSING SAFER SERVICES DURING SPRING 2020 CRISIS SUPPORT & ADVOCACY To make an advocacy appointment with Safer: 1.
Visit https://safer.calpoly.edu/what-is-safer/make-appointment a.
For first-time appointments, select an Advocacy Intake Appointment
b.
You will have the option to choose between phone-based appointments and Zoom video conference calls.
2.
Intake paperwork will be sent to your email to complete prior to your appointment.
3.
At the time of your appointment, join the Zoom video conference or have your phone nearby and wait for the Campus Advocate to call you.
Tips for successful appointments: Aim to attend your appointment from a private setting o If you can't find a room to yourself, consider selecting a phone-based appointment and taking a walk outside. o Use headphones for Zoom video conferencing whenever possible. o Do not share your Zoom link with anyone else. o For video conferencing, angle your device so that onlookers cannot see your screen. Share any concerns for your safety with the Advocate beforehand. On Calendly scheduling, there is a prompt asking if it's safe for the Advocates to identify themselves as "calling from Safer". Type in "No" if it is unsafe for anyone in your home or anyone who has access to your devices to have knowledge that you're seeking services. Email safer@calpoly.edu with any additional safety or privacy concerns, or other details that may impact your ability to access remote advocacy services. PREVENTION EDUCATION & OUTREACH To request a presentation or consultation with a Prevention Specialist: Fill out a Request for Presentation Form at https://safer.calpoly.edu/training-and-presentations/schedule-presentation For consultations, email the Prevention Specialist directly: Jennifer MacMartin, jmacmart@calpoly.edu
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