Supervisors Highlight Ongoing Support for Domestic Violence Survivors

Redwood City - Declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors is reminding residents that services for survivors are available year-round - from emergency shelter and legal aid to counseling and financial assistance.

"Domestic violence affects people of every background regardless of age, gender, income or culture," said Supervisor Noelia Corzo, who along with Supervisor Lisa Gauthier sponsored a proclamation in solidarity with survivors. "Here in San Mateo County, we know that ending violence will take all of us working together, including survivors, advocates, law enforcement, health care providers and community partners."

Gauthier emphasized the need to "stand with survivors, honor those we've lost and recommit to safety and dignity for everyone in San Mateo County."

The proclamation, approved at the Board's Oct. 21 meeting, notes that more than one in three women, one in four men and one in two transgender individuals experience physical or sexual violence or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime. It also recognizes that marginalized groups - including undocumented residents, transgender individuals and people living with disabilities - face increased vulnerability to abuse.

The County highlighted progress made in recent years, including:

• Forming the Coalition to End Violence, Abuse and Exploitation, which coordinates countywide prevention efforts.
• Launching the Domestic Violence Emergency Response Team (DVERT), which dispatches advocates alongside law enforcement to crisis calls.
• Creating the Survivor Safe Team, a multidisciplinary partnership for high-risk cases.
• Supporting children and families through the SPARK program.
• Establishing the County's first Family Justice Center, a centralized resource for survivors seeking help.

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."

Last year, Communities Overcoming Relationship Abuse - the county's only agency dedicated solely to helping those affected by intimate partner abuse - provided more than 10,000 services and over $1 million in client assistance, including emergency housing, rent subsidies, and other critical needs.

County leaders said continued collaboration is essential to making sure survivors can get help when they need it most.

"Domestic violence can look different in every situation. It can be physical harm, emotional abuse or words that slowly diminish your spirit. We are here to uplift your voices and remind you, you are not alone," Gauthier said. "This issue touches every community, including our own."

CORA operates a 24-hour hotline: 800-300-1080.

Email CORA at [email protected]

Michelle Durand
Chief Communications Officer
650-670-6114 M
[email protected]