STATEMENT: Regarding Ongoing COVID-19 Developments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, March 12, 2020
CONTACT: Brenda Kinoshita, (503) 557-5820, brendak@cwsor.org

Statement of Melissa Erlbaum, Executive Director at Clackamas Women’s Services, Regarding Ongoing COVID-19 Developments

Like everyone, we are closely monitoring the ongoing spread of COVID-19 and are working closely with public health officials to follow their recommended guidelines for safety and care of the community.

I wanted to assure you that we are, as always, committed to our mission to break the isolation of domestic and sexual violence and elder abuse.

We know that for domestic and sexual violence survivors isolation, lack of supportive contact, and gaps in the social safety net are dangerous and can increase traumatic responses. We understand that we provide essential services within the fabric of this social safety net for the community.

We are committed to continuing these essential services for survivors and other vulnerable populations. We have worked closely with public health officials to put plans in place to maintain shelter operations and community-based advocacy services with survivors’ and staff’s health and safety in mind. We have options in place to offer supportive services through phone and video-conferencing if needed. As always, our Crisis and Support line is available 24/7 at (503) 654-2288 for people in need.

Of course, as this situation develops we will continue to respond adaptively and will update the community of any changes.

We firmly believe the way to overcome trying times is by working together, supporting one another, and remembering our well-being is more connected to each other’s well-being than we think.

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