COVID-19

Safe Harbor: Agency Services Response

Safe Harbor is committed to continue serving victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in the community. As we continue to provide services for victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. We will be implementing precautions that align with the President’s National Emergency declaration, Governor Tony Evers’ Public Health Emergency declaration, World Health Organization recommendations, as well as the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations.

The priority is to protect the health and safety of victims and survivors seeking service, staff, interns, and volunteers. While Safe Harbor has implemented social distancing, and increased environmental cleaning; the team will continue to provide support to victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault with modification.

Advocacy Programs: We are maintaining ongoing advocacy services, offering phone meetings and beginning Thursday March 26, Zoom calls will be an available option. We will continue working with our community partners and system providers as community resources remain available.

Crisis Services: Emergency Shelter, 24/7 Helpline, and Accompaniments: Our shelter and helpline remain open and available. Upon consultation with our local Public Health Department and staff we feel strongly in continuing to provide valuable services. We continue to provide advocacy for those in emergency situations, including responding to victims reporting to area hospitals for a Forensic Examination, as permitted.

Community Outreach & Prevention Education: At this time all in person events have been cancelled; we are looking at opportunities to participate in different ways through online forum, calls, and web conferencing.

Donations: As always, we appreciate the support from our community and continue to accept donations of new items; Financial Contributions is always appreciated, in-kind donation needs are identified on the Safe Harbor website, and Amazon Smile is an additional way to support us.

Men Who Cook Event: This annual fundraiser will be postponed until Fall 2020, date to be determined.

Support Groups: At this time all support groups are suspended until further notice.

Volunteer Services: We are suspending all individual and group volunteer efforts on site for the time being

Please know that our 24/7 crisis line will continue to operate and function as typical. If you need to make an appointment to meet with an advocate, please call 1.800.499.7640. If presenting symptoms of COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS), we recommend scheduling a meeting via phone or Zoom; symptoms include:

  • Fever

  • Cough

  • Shortness of breath

In following prevention recommendations from the Center for Disease Control:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 30 seconds. Use an alcohol based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

Safe Harbor will continue to monitor COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS) and stay in close contact with our community partners, funders, and local and state officials on how we can continue to provide services during this public health emergency; making announcements as necessary to keep our community aware of changes in service. If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your continued support.

Deborah Lee, Executive Director