TWIN FALLS — Voices against violence were already in the process of creating a text and email support line, but because of the stay at home order, they sped up the process.
"Especially with COVID, we knew that wasn't going to be an option. Our hotline was not going to be an option, so it made us push and be a little more proactive about getting that information out there," Noemi Juarez, Education Outreach Coordinator, said.
Since the start of the stay at home order, the organization says they are seeing an increase in the need for support.
"People are wanting general information about our agency about what we do and how they can provide information to somebody that they know is experiencing something. We have seen an increase just all around." Juarez said.
They say the text and support line's main goal was to make sure their clients had a secure way of accessing these resources during a time when they are quarantined with their abuser.
"Our number one thing was making sure our clients weren't isolated. If they were already in an isolated situation, especially with COVID in place and the stay at home order, there was even more power and control there that people can use. We were seeing and hearing that COVID was another reason an abuser was using to keep a victim isolated," Juarez said.
And the email and text line has helped them stay in contact with all of their clients.
"We often don't realize when something like this is needed in our area. For the longest time, we've had the hotline number, and like I've said, we had Facebook, but we saw how much of a difference it is making," Juarez said.
If you or someone you know needs support, you can email them at help@vavmv.org or text them at 408-675-2023. You can also visit their website for more resources.
