KCSDV Statement on COVID-19

Friends and Partners: 

The Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence (KCSDV) is also making changes in response to the pandemic of COVID-19. We know all of you are also making changes and working to protect your families and communities. Our primary commitment is to the health and safety of survivors of stalking, dating violence, and domestic and sexual violence and their families. That has not and will not change during this pandemic. 

Our staff, their families, and the people we work in partnership with include populations who are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. We also believe now is the time to assure we have continuity of services. We believe this is the appropriate response to today’s public health crisis.

Effective immediately, KCSDV has implemented the following changes: 

• KCSDV staff is working remotely.
• We have cancelled or postponed in-person trainings, site visits, and events scheduled through the end of April. We will continue to monitor the situation and make decisions on an ongoing basis. Please check our website regularly for updates and information.
• We are working closely with our member domestic violence and sexual assault advocacy programs throughout the state to support their needs during this time.
• KCSDV is not closed. KCSDV remains open. You can reach us through our main line at 785-232-9784 and via message through our website. Normal office hours will continue to be 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Update on Victim Services: 

The domestic violence and sexual assault advocacy programs around the state are continuing to provide services but under increasingly difficult circumstances. Some of these services may be modified or provided in other ways. Please locate and check with your local program. Ask how you can help. They will likely be limited in their ability to take in and sanitize material donations, but monetary donations are always welcome and can assist in offsetting increased costs associated with this pandemic. The Kansas Crisis Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-888-END-ABUSE, or 1-888-363-2287. 

KCSDV supports the efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 to our families and communities. We appreciate all of our partners, health care professionals, first responders, and public officials who are making difficult decisions during these times. 

For information on developing your own response, visit the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s coronavirus response page, as well as the CDC’s website. 

We will keep you posted as we have additional information or if things change for KCSDV. Please take care of yourself and your family, loved ones, and communities during this time. For any questions, please contact coalition@kcsdv.org. Thank you! 

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