Sexual Assault On-Call Advocate

Doors to safety: supporting DV survivors on the path home. During Women's History Month, Council for the Homeless celebrate the strength and resilience of women throughout history. It is also a time to recognize the challenges many women continue to face today - including the strong connection between domestic violence and homelessness. Council for the Homeless is supporting DV survivors through its partnership with YWCA Clark County. At Council for the Homeless (CFTH), Council for the Homeless see firsthand how safety and housing are deeply linked. As the lead agency for the Homeless Response System in Clark County, Council for the Homeless coordinate access to housing and shelter through Coordinated Entry. This system connects people seeking help with multiple housing and support services after a single housing assessment. This approach lets people access the resources they need without repeatedly retelling their story to multiple providers. Supporting DV survivors where they are. CFTH Housing Specialist Emily Otero plays a vital role in this work. Each week, Emily dedicates 16 hours to supporting DV survivors at YWCA Clark County. She splits her time providing housing assessments online and in-person at both the organization and their domestic violence shelter. This co-location partnership lets survivors access housing services in a place where they already feel safe and supported. "It's important for me to go to them," Emily shared. "I meet them where they're at in order to not cause any added harm." This role was created in 2023 by CFTH, YWCA Clark County, and a funding partner. The partnership was formed in response to the unique barriers survivors face when seeking housing. Leaving an abusive relationship often requires careful planning to maintain safety and confidentiality. Survivors often face added stress and uncertainty while navigating employment disruptions, financial instability, and limited housing options. "I'm a DV survivor and through my own experience with navigating resources, I realized our community needs more accessible and inclusive services, because the need is there," Emily shared. "Professionally, I do this work because I strongly believe having access to safe housing is a human right." From National trends to local realities. Domestic violence remains one of the leading causes of homelessness for women. Nationally, nearly one in three women experience intimate partner violence during their lifetime as reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The impacts can affect every part of a person's life, from physical injury and trauma, to lost income, disrupted employment, and the need to suddenly relocate for safety. In Clark County, the connection is clear: During 2024, 17% of people experiencing homelessness reported domestic violence as the primary reason they lost their housing - as stated in the most recent Homeless Response System Report. Behind every number is a person, often a parent or caregiver, working to keep themselves and their children safe. Navigating complex barriers. Survivors often face complex barriers when trying to rebuild stability. Leaving a DV situation can lead to being estranged from family and friends, possibly abandoning employment or financial resources, and/or navigating legal and medical challenges. In a region where affordable housing is already limited, survivors can sometimes be forced to choose between homelessness and returning to an unsafe home. Through Coordinated Entry, housing specialists like Emily help remove some of those barriers. The assessment process gathers information once and securely shares it multiple times. From there, the system connects individuals with shelter, housing programs, and supportive services that match their circumstances. This is an efficient and trauma-informed approach to supporting DV survivors. The partnership between Council for the Homeless and YWCA Clark County strengthens that support network for survivors. Domestic violence is not only a personal crisis, it is a housing issue and a community challenge. Addressing it requires strong partnerships and a shared commitment to supporting DV survivors and ensure they have access to safety, stability, and a place to call home. When survivors choose safety, its community must be ready to support that choice. How you can help. Monetary donations help in supporting DV survivors. Also, donating feminine hygiene products supports its outreach efforts. Consider hosting a drive to invite your community to get involved as well. Council for the Homeless is grateful to the National Honors Society students at Henrietta Lacks High School for their recent period care drive. When donating supplies, Emily advises everyone to please consider the following: "Variety is important and different size pads and tampons are essential," she explains. "Also, DivaCups and Discs, are more comfortable options when restrooms and garbage cans are not accessible." Incontinent products are also needed. She also suggests items for mothers like breast pads, diapers, and wipes. Additional hygiene items like dry shampoo, deodorant, hair ties, and even makeup. While the latter can be seen as extra: "Makeup can inform identity for some," Emily shares. Items may be delivered to its office, located at 7723 NE Fourth Plain Blvd., suite C, Vancouver, WA 98662. Also see its Amazon Wish List for more options. For donation questions, please email Development Associate Autumn Connolly at [email protected]. If you or someone you know is fleeing domestic violence in Clark County, help is available. Call YWCA Clark County at (360) 696-0167. For housing services or if you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness, please call the Housing Hotline at (360) 695-9677.

YWCA Clark County will launch the Domestic Violence High-Risk Team in October.

Through the funding, YWCA Clark County's sexual assault program will partner with the Clark County Volunteer Lawyer Program to provide victim advocacy in criminal proceedings, and representation in family law, landlord tenant law, immigration and other civil legal matters to sexual assault survivors in southwest Washington, a project description provided alongside the release stated.