VAWnet News Blog

By Arlene Vassell, Vice President of Programs, Prevention and Social Change Despite the fear, despair, paranoia and uncertainty our communities are experiencing, there is also an abundance of connectedness, support, courage, hope and gratitude. “Thriving, healing and hurting can all happen simultaneously.” – Arlene Vassell

As the U.S. fights to contain the spread of the coronavirus, vast numbers of Americans are being told to stay home. But what happens when home isn't safe?

"During this time of crisis, adapting our work with families impacted by perpetrators’ behaviors is a critical task.  Disasters and crises are associated with a differential impact on vulnerable individuals and families."

Tax season can evoke a range of emotions for people, from excitement to anxiety. Frequently, tax time is associated with a tax refund, which can represent the single largest lump sum many families receive in any given year. These refunds can provide a pathway to transition out of poverty and to build wealth. This month's TAQ explores strategies for supporting survivors this tax season.

As the coronavirus outbreak reaches pandemic proportions, domestic violence organizations providing training and technical assistance are seeing an increase in requests from community-based shelters across the country for accurate information and guidance on how to plan, prepare, and respond to this emerging public health threat. These select resources offer guidance for domestic violence programs in preparing for and responding to the coronavirus pandemic.

"Being able to scale up the work that we started in small grassroots communities and then the urban communities in Philadelphia -- and rural communities and Alabama, to national and international levels -- is just incredible," she said.