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. 2022 Apr;60(2):288-302.
doi: 10.1111/fcre.12642. Epub 2022 Mar 6.

Advocacy services for survivors of intimate partner violence: Pivots and lessons learned during the COVID-19 quarantine in Tacoma, Washington

Rachel A Moyer  1 , Connie J Beck  1 , Nadia Van Atter  2 , Abi McLane  2
Affiliations

Advocacy services for survivors of intimate partner violence: Pivots and lessons learned during the COVID-19 quarantine in Tacoma, Washington

Rachel A Moyer et al. Fam Court Rev. 2022 Apr.

Abstract

The Crystal Judson Family Justice Center (CJFJC), like many advocacy programs for survivors of intimate partner violence, transformed its structure and operating procedures amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the United States was in Washington State, where CJFJC is located, and Governor Jay Inslee acted quickly with a strict stay-at-home order. This paper describes the pre-pandemic, in-person service model used at CJFJC and then the transition to a fully online service model utilizing phone, email and online procedures and platforms. The rapid transition posed many opportunities to learn how to provide services during public pandemics, and how to provide services virtually. We conclude with detailed lessons learned from the experiences of filing domestic violence protection orders online, Zoom court hearings, innovation surrounding community partnerships, and information technology development.

Keywords: COVID‐19; advocacy services; domestic violence; family justice center; intimate partner violence; protection orders.

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Conflict of interest statement

Co‐author Beck has no conflicts of interest with the materials in this manuscript. This work did not receive any grant funding from any agencies in the public, commercial, or not‐for‐profit sectors. Co‐authors Van Atter and McLane are employed at the Crystal Justice Family Justice Center, Van Atter since 2009 and McLane since 2008. Co‐author Moyer began working with the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center in the Fall, 2021.

References

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