October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. With COVID-19 increasing the number of DV cases across the country, we wanted to highlight a community resource, Center for Community Solutions (CCS), that would be helpful to provide to your clients or share with those you know are in need of support. CCS serves victims/survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking in San Diego. CCS Advocates help survivors navigate systems, and make informed decisions, while providing a supportive and non-judgmental presence. CCS Advocates also help connect survivors with the information, resources, and referrals they need to further their own goals. Being familiar with this community organization and the services they provide can be beneficial as you enter the professional counseling and MFT field, regardless of your direct client population. Attached is a general city-wide resource guide for those interested in doing more research.

CCS Domestic Violence Services:

• 24/7, free & confidential hotline (888) 385-4657 – crisis intervention and referrals related to domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking in San Diego.
• Safety planning – ongoing to address changing needs.
• Crisis intervention and peer support.
• Victim Rights – information including Marsy’s Law and California statutes.
• San Diego County Family Courts – help to understand and navigate the system.
• Court-related Accompaniment (subject to availability/circumstances).
• Domestic Violence Restraining Order hearings.
• Family Court hearings, such as Custody Order hearings.
• Law Enforcement and Child Welfare Services meetings/interviews.
• Domestic Abuse Forensic Exams – information, referral and accompaniment during forensic exams for IPV survivors of severe abuse or strangulation.
• High Risk Teams – information, referral and accompaniment. Click here to view High Risk Team details.
• Assistance completing Victims of Crime (VOC) and Safe at Home (confidential address) applications.
• Help accessing community resources and programs addressing housing/rental needs, food resources, financial assistance, public benefits (CalFresh/SNAP, Medi-Cal, Cal. Unemployment Insurance), immigration, and other needs.
• Referrals to legal, counseling, child advocacy, sexual assault advocacy, and shelter programs within Center for Community Solutions.

Location and Contact Information:

Central San Diego services are at 4508 Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA 92109. Services at this location are by appointment only. Please call 858-272-5777 ext. 7100 for more information.

North County services are located at 210 S. Juniper St. #210, Escondido, CA 92025. Services at this location are by appointment only. Please call (760) 747-6282 ext. 7100 for more information.

East County services are located at 460 N. Magnolia Ave., El Cajon, CA 92020. Services at this location are by appointment only. Please call (619) 697-7477 ext. 7100 for more information.

24-hour free & confidential County-wide crisis line. Please call (888) 385-4657.