Directives to stay home are essential to efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Tragically, they also increase the risk of physical and emotional mistreatment for people confined at home with an abuser and make it harder to seek help. Leaders here in the Office of the President and throughout UC are making difficult decisions every day to keep employees safe and secure, including a deep commitment to support members of our community who experience any form of interpersonal violence.

If you, or someone you know, are experiencing domestic abuse, help is available through the following resources.

Faculty & Staff Assistance Program (FSAP): Trained professionals in the FSAP are available to provide compassionate and confidential support to UCOP employees experiencing, or otherwise affected by, domestic abuse. They also provide assessment, counseling and referral services for a broad range of personal and work-related issues.

• UCOP employees: (415) 476-8279 or FSAP@hr.ucsf.edu
• UC Path employees: (800) 266-0510 (website here)

National Domestic Violence Hotline: This free, confidential hotline is available at all times to anyone in the United States experiencing domestic abuse, or who is concerned about their own potentially abusive behavior toward another. The hotline’s page on Staying Safe During COVID-19 links to an interactive safety planning tool.

• Call (800) 799-7233 or get assistance through chat

Guide from Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV): If you have a colleague, friend or family member experiencing abuse, you can find tips to support them while adhering to stay-at-home directives in this guide from the NNEDV. This Calling All Friends and Family guide from Futures Without Violence also has suggestions.

Alameda County Family Justice Center (ACFJC): The ACFJC provides free services to individuals and families who have experienced mistreatment such as domestic abuse, sexual violence and human trafficking. Services include help with restraining orders, case management, safety planning and housing, as well as Medi-Cal and CalFRESH applications.

• Domestic Violence Crisis Hotline: (800) 947-8301
• Rape Crisis Hotline: (510) 845-7273
• General Information/Client Navigator: (510) 267-8800

Alternatives to Domestic Violence (ADV): Serving western Riverside County, ADV provides a range of services aimed at breaking the cycle of abuse, including a crisis line, court advocacy, counseling for children, education and outreach services.

• Crisis line: (800) 339-7233 or (951) 683-0829
• Counseling services: (951) 320-1370
• Restraining order help: (951) 320-1374

D.C. Safe: D.C. Safe is a crisis intervention agency for domestic abuse in Washington, DC. They are available at all times, and provide emergency services, court advocacy, and system reform.

• (844)-443-5732

24-Hour crisis lines:

• Family Violence Law Center (Alameda County): (800) 947-8301
• Riverside Area Rape Crisis Center: (866) 686-7273
• D.C. Rape Crisis Center: (202) 333-RAPE
• A Safe Place (Oakland): (510) 536-7233
• Asian Women’s Shelter (San Francisco): (877) 751-0880
• Tri-Valley Haven: (925) 449-5842 or (800) 884-8119

You can find more domestic abuse and sexual assault resources on the UCOP Human Resources website.

In this uncertain and anxious time, home should be a place of refuge — not fear. If you are experiencing abuse, or worried about someone who is, you have resources to support you, people who care, and the commitment, strength and compassion of the UC community.

Information provided by:

• Suzanne Taylor, Systemwide Title IX Director
• Nancy Pluzdrak, Executive Director, Human Resources
• John Sims: Discrimination/Affirmative Action/Title IX Officer
• Andrew Parker, Manager, Faculty and Staff Assistance Program

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