COVID-19 Plan

Updated as of July 21, 2020

Domestic Violence Services (DVS), a program of the Community Action Partnership, continues to monitor all updates concerning the COVID-19 outbreak. Our highest priority is to safeguard the health and safety of domestic violence victims and survivors and our staff members.

DVS continues to provide free, confidential services to victims and survivors of domestic violence 24 hours per day via a combination of on site and remote staffing and programming. We are limiting the people who enter our Safe House/main offices building to residents, staff members, emergency personnel, and essential maintenance/service providers.

Victims and survivors seeking our crisis and safety-planning services should call our 24-hour Hotline at (717) 299-1249 or text SAFE to 61222 to connect directly to an advocate.

Safe House or emergency shelter services are available for victims fleeing dangerous intimate partner violence situations. Victims seeking shelter must contact DVS directly via the hotline or text line. Law enforcement may use the hotline or Lethality Assessment Program (LAP) process to make the contact. An individual in immediate danger should call 911.

Community counseling services are offered via telehealth platforms or by telephone. Please call our hotline to arrange to speak with a counselor.

The Domestic Violence Legal Center is not open to walk-in clients but is available to assist victims and survivors with legal information, options and resources via telephone Monday through Friday from 8:30am – 5:00pm at (717) 291-5826. Our bilingual legal advocate is available in the courthouse daily to assist victims to file Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders. On weekends call the DVS 24-Hour hotline to be connected to the on-call Legal Advocate for assistance.

Professional domestic violence trainings, education, and prevention sessions are in development to be offered remotely via Zoom and You Tube. Contact Angela Keen, Community Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator (AKeen@caplanc.org) for more information about professional trainings and volunteer opportunities, and Deb Manning, Children’s Program Coordinator (DManning@caplanc.org) for education and prevention program availability.

Please direct any general questions to Christine Gilfillan, DVS Director, at (717) 299-9677 Ext. 3110 or email CGilfillan@caplanc.org.

What can the public do to help DVS and victims of domestic violence?

1. Follow the CAP and DVS Facebook pages and Twitter accounts and share information about domestic violence and the availability of our services. Please be aware that victims of domestic violence may still be trapped at home with their abusers, and that their situations may worsen. Although our capacity is limited, we are available to help.
2. DVS is accepting limited donations of essential items, such as cleaning supplies, diapers in all sizes, personal care products, new bath towels and single bedding, and food. We accept donations based upon need and available storage space. Please call (717) 299-9677 if you would like to donate goods to DVS.
3. Financial donations to support our direct services and the needs of our program participants are welcome. Visit CAPLanc.org/donate and designate DVS.

We are very grateful to the community for your support as we have navigated these challenging times. We will continue to keep you updated through traditional media, CAP and DVS social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter), and other communication channels. Visit CapLanc.org.