As families and individuals continue to spend the majority of time at home, first responders are essential to helping those who may be experiencing violence or abuse. SBCS’ Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT) remains vigilant in providing its critical emergency response services 24/7 as increased needs persist.

Since 1997, our Domestic Violence Response Team has been the first and only of its kind in San Diego’s South County region. Here’s how this team supports families*:

• Emergency response: DVRT specialists accompany law enforcement on domestic violence calls in Chula Vista, National City, Imperial Beach and other parts of the Southern San Diego region
• Crisis intervention: SBCS’ 15 highly-trained response team specialists provide crisis intervention to survivors and their children as well as assisting in planning for their immediate and long-term safety
• Connection to additional support services, including counseling, restraining order assistance and emergency shelter

*Phone and video conferencing solutions utilized when effective in adherence to COVID-19 public health directives.

“You have taught me so much in so little time. You have taught me patience, to be grateful for what I have; but most importantly you have given me hope. You taught me that there is good in this world, and no matter how dark and how bad things can get, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.”

– SBCS client and survivor of domestic violence

During the 2018/19 fiscal year, our DVRT responded to 698 calls for emergency response from law enforcement.

In the case of an emergency, please call 9-1-1.

Please check back to our website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram regularly and subscribe to our email updates for news on specific programs, and services as well as efforts to support the needs of the wider community as we monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts.

Donate to help SBCS continue to meet the essential needs of the communities we serve at this unprecedented time.