Supervisors Highlight Resources For SMC Domestic Violence Survivors

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors designated October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, highlighting year-round services for survivors, including shelter, legal aid, counseling and financial assistance.

“Domestic violence affects people of every background regardless of age, gender, income or culture,” said Supervisor Noelia Corzo, who along with Supervisor Lisa Gauthier sponsored a proclamation in solidarity with survivors. “Here in San Mateo County, we know that ending violence will take all of us working together, including survivors, advocates, law enforcement, health care providers and community partners.”

Approved on Oct. 21, the proclamation highlights that over one in three women, one in four men, and one in two transgender individuals experience intimate partner violence, officials said. The supervisors also acknowledged that marginalized groups, such as undocumented residents, transgender individuals, and people with disabilities, are more vulnerable to abuse.

The County highlighted progress made in recent years, including:

• Forming the Coalition to End Violence, Abuse and Exploitation, which coordinates countywide prevention efforts.
• Launching the Domestic Violence Emergency Response Team (DVERT), which dispatches advocates alongside law enforcement to crisis calls.
• Creating the Survivor Safe Team, a multidisciplinary partnership for high-risk cases.
• Supporting children and families through the SPARK program.
• Establishing the County’s first Family Justice Center, a centralized resource for survivors seeking help.

Corzo said the County’s focus is on “making sure that we have the right services at the right time for our community members to heal.” She called the proclamation both “a recognition of the work that has been done and a call to keep moving forward until all are free from abuse, violence and exploitation.”

Last year, Communities Overcoming Relationship Abuse (CORA) provided over 10,000 services and $1 million in client assistance, including emergency housing and rent subsidies, as the county's sole agency for intimate partner abuse.

“Domestic violence can look different in every situation. It can be physical harm, emotional abuse or words that slowly diminish your spirit. We are here to uplift your voices and remind you, you are not alone,” Gauthier said. “This issue touches every community, including our own.”

CORA operates a 24-hour hotline: 800-300-1080.

Email CORA at resources@corasupport.org