Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Where to Turn if You Need Help
During October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, SF SAFE is offering a refresher on resources available in San Francisco for those who are victims of domestic violence.
The City of San Francisco has compiled an essential list of domestic and family violence resources to offer victims crucial options when possibly facing life-threatening situations. Before we get to the list, let’s highlight one of the more critical resources.
In 2020, Mayor London Breed and the Department of Emergency Management launched a Text-to-911 service. In a nutshell, it’s a life-saving option for people in certain situations, including domestic violence, where it is much too risky and dangerous to call 9-1-1 via phone. Per the City, the service can be of particular use in emergency scenarios such as when someone is in a situation where it is unsafe to place a phone call to 9-1-1, or when a medical emergency arises that causes the person to be unable to speak.
“Text to 9-1-1 is a great feature for our City’s emergency response to better serve all of our residents…,” said Mayor Breed at the time. “We’re making it easier for victims to contact the police safely.”
SF SAFE’s partners at the San Francisco Police Department’s (SFPD) Special Victim's Unit are on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assist victims of domestic violence. So another option for victims of domestic violence is to call 415.553.9225 for help. If a child is being harmed, community members can report or consult with protective services personnel at Family and Children’s Services (FCS) hotline anytime at 800.856.5553.
Other domestic violence resources the City suggests include:
The 24-hour National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-7233 and chat with advocates anytime.
The Asian Women’s Shelter: Helps survivors of domestic violence and their children. Call the 24-Hour Crisis Line at 877.751.0880.
Cameron House: Provides an array of social services to Asian women and their children, many of whom are survivors of domestic violence. Call 415.781.0401.
Community United Against Violence: CUAV is for LGBTQQ survivors of domestic violence and other issues. Call 415. 333. 4357 or email info@cuav.org.
La Casa De Las Madres: Offers a comprehensive continuum of support services, including a Domestic Violence response team and emergency shelter. Contact the 24-Hour Adult Crisis Line at 877.503.1850; the 24-Hour Teen Crisis Line at 877.923.0700 or the 24-Hour Text Crisis Line at 415.200.3575.
The Saint Vincent de Paul Society: The organization has two programs: Rosalie House (emergency shelter and supportive services) and Brennan House (transitional housing/supportive services) for battered women. Call the 24-Hour Crisis Line at 415.255.0165.
Woman, Inc.: Has a crisis line for survivors of domestic violence. Call for crisis management, group and individual therapy, referrals, and support groups. 24-Hour Crisis Line: 415.864.4722. Toll free 24/7 Support Line: 877.384.3578.
SF Adult Protective Services (APS) Hotline: Call to make a confidential or anonymous report if you suspect that an older adult or a person with a disability who lives in San Francisco is experiencing abuse or self-neglect. Call 415.355.6700 anytime or 800.814.0009 anytime.
SF Department on the Status of Women: Offers these supportive links: Resources on Family and Relationship Stress during COVID-19 and Resources on Gender-Based Violence during COVID-19.