{"id":24099,"date":"2024-06-26T10:46:55","date_gmt":"2024-06-26T17:46:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peninsula360press.com\/?p=24099"},"modified":"2024-06-30T15:54:12","modified_gmt":"2024-06-30T22:54:12","slug":"domestic-violence-calls","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/peninsula360press.com\/en\/domestic-violence-calls\/","title":{"rendered":"They present an initiative to increase support for domestic violence calls"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Domestic
Domestic violence calls are the go-to option to keep victims safe, San Mateo County is introducing an initiative that will send survivor advocates along with police to certain 911 calls.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Listen to this note:<\/p>\n

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Concerned about the domestic violence that exists in the San Mateo County<\/a>, supervisors on Tuesday introduced a bill that would send survivor advocates along with police to certain 911 calls.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once the scene is safe (and the victim is willing), a survivor advocate from the new Domestic Violence Emergency Response Team will offer services and support that will include help finding emergency shelter, navigating the legal system, and locating prompt and ongoing support and care.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis pilot, born out of the Domestic Violence Council Task Force formed last year, is an exciting example of what can happen when all of our agencies work together to meet the moment when survivors need support the most,\u201d said Supervisor Noelia Corzo, President of the Domestic Violence Council.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

"We hope this pilot will save lives," he stressed.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Council\u2019s Task Force on Domestic Violence was formed in 2023 following the deaths of five women at the hands of their abusers, while the new response team was born out of evidence-based findings that immediate intervention with trained advocates can save lives in addition to preventing future abuse, the county said in a statement.<\/span><\/p>\n

Supervisors on Tuesday selected Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse, or CORA, as the county's partner in establishing the Domestic Violence Emergency Response Team.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Likewise, supervisors authorized the County Executive Office to negotiate a contract with CORA to operate an 18-month pilot response program.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe know that the sooner we can engage a family and their children in a variety of services, including counseling, the more likely a family will be able to break out of a cycle of abuse,\u201d said Karen Ferguson, executive director of CORA. \u201cThis program, in partnership with law enforcement\u2019s response to domestic-related incidents, offers vital community support.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As a pilot program, the program will begin with the Daly City and San Mateo police departments and the North Fair Oaks Sheriff's Office.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Under a developing protocol, law enforcement is responsible for stabilizing a scene, such as stopping a crime, arresting a suspect, or ensuring the safety of a victim, for example.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once the scene is stabilized, CORA's survivor advocate will provide support and a variety of services.<\/span><\/p>\n

To do so, advocates will be trained in culturally competent response, the county said. Advocacy services will be available approximately 40 hours per week with flexible scheduling as needed. When an advocate is not available, officials will provide information about CORA services 24 hours a day.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTogether, we stand united against domestic violence. Our co-response task force exemplifies our unwavering commitment to protecting and supporting victims and ending domestic violence. Through collaboration and dedication, we are creating a safer and stronger community for all,\u201d said Sheriff Christina Corpus.<\/span><\/p>\n

Supervisors authorized negotiating a contract with CORA for up to $800,000. Funds from the Measure K half-cent local sales tax will provide seed money for the pilot. Officials will evaluate the program's effectiveness throughout the pilot period.<\/span><\/p>\n

Violence in numbers<\/b><\/p>\n