Program update from SPARCC

Program Update from Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center, Inc. (SPARCC)

While life has certainly changed for all of us across our community, our state, and worldwide, the team at SPARCC continues to deliver critical programs and services to those affected by domestic and sexual violence. Over the past couple of weeks, we have worked to put new systems in place to ensure continuity of services, and the safety of our staff and survivors.

This time of isolation is particularly concerning for those in abusive relationships. Abusers frequently use isolation as a tactic for power and control, and the current state of the world means that survivors will be increasingly isolated and spending even more time with abusers, with little to no access to help or support.

SPARCC is committed to providing core services throughout the pandemic, and in the days to follow. We expect to see a spike in those seeking our services as the immediate danger of COVID-19 begins to subside. Below is a brief summary of what we are doing to serve our community.

Hotline – Our helpline remains available 24/7 and we know this service is more important than ever. Our advocates have received additional training on safety planning with COVID-19 considerations in mind, and we are providing extended case management and support through the helpline, whenever possible.

Shelter – SPARCC’s Shelter remains open as a haven for those fleeing domestic and sexual violence. We have increased the number of times the shelter is professionally cleaned each week, and our staff are also disinfecting surfaces frequently. We have plans in place if isolation and/or quarantines become necessary. Case management, support and advocacy services are being provided in accordance with social distancing recommendations and we are making every attempt possible to provide a safe and healthy environment.

Legal Services – SPARCC’s Injunction for Protection Attorneys continue to meet with survivors, using video conferencing whenever possible. Last week was a busy week of new referrals and calls, and the attorneys are adapting to provide accommodations to meet the needs of survivors. The courts are still conducting in-person injunction hearings, but most other aspects of the process can be handled with little/no face-to-face contact.

Therapy – Therapy services are being provided using phone and/or secure video software.

Support Groups , Prevention Education and Outreach Services – SPARCC has temporarily closed its outreach offices to the public, with the exception of shelter intakes, injunction appointments, crisis intervention, and for distribution of essential supplies. Our staff are still working to coordinate resources, reviewing police reports daily, and conducting outreach via telephone, when it is determined safe to do so.

Hospital Response/Accompaniment – Per hospital recommendations, SPARCC has temporarily moved to a modified response structure to provide survivors of sexual and domestic violence in Sarasota and Desoto Counties in area hospitals with advocacy and support. Response is being provided by phone or video call, by our trained staff and on-call volunteers.

Survivors remain our first priority and we are continuously evaluating how we can be more accessible and share information and support with those who need us.

We are grateful to our incredible community for your support and to all who have made monetary gifts, provided supplies, and sent food and/or notes of encouragement to our survivors and staff. If you have questions about how to get involved, contact Mary Ellen Mancini at 941-365-0208 ext. 106.

If you or someone you know needs services,

call our 24-hour hotline at 941-365-1976

Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center | 365-0208 | www.sparcc.net

SPARCC's mission is to stop domestic and sexual violence in our communities.

As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, SPARCC is eligible to receive a bequest and/or planned gift from your estate.