Community Action Partnership (CAP) of Lancaster County has announced modifications to its services. It will continue to keep the community updated on its activities in assisting the community during these unprecedented times through weekly updates.
Domestic violence survivors and victims can now text for help by texting SAFE to 61222. The Domestic Violence Crisis Textline will offer support by advocates through text services.
CAP's highest priority is to safeguard the health and safety of domestic violence victims and survivors and its staff members. To help protect both the public health and the health of the Domestic Violence Services (DVS) team, CAP has enacted several temporary changes, including virtual supportive counseling and legal services.
All support groups and in-person community counseling sessions are canceled until further notice. Telephone counseling is available, and DVS will offer remote counseling via a web-based platform as soon as possible. For now, readers may call the front desk at 717-299-9677 to arrange to speak with a counselor over the phone.
Protection From Abuse orders are still available for victims of domestic violence. The Domestic Violence Legal Center (DVLC) is available to assist individuals with information, options, and resources at 717-291-5823 on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. If unable to reach a staff person directly, callers are asked to leave a message and their call will be returned as soon as possible. On weekends, readers should call the DVS 24-hour hotline to be connected to the on-call legal advocate for assistance.
All public events, education, and prevention sessions with which DVS was scheduled to be involved are canceled at this time. Questions should be directed to Christine Gilfillan, DVS director, at cgilfillan@caplanc.org. For questions specific to information about domestic violence, events, outreach, and volunteers, readers may contact Angela Keen, community outreach and volunteer coordinator, at akeen@caplanc.org.
There are several things the public can do to help DVS and victims of domestic violence. Readers may follow the "Community Action Partnership (CAP) of Lancaster County" and "Domestic Violence Services of Lancaster County" Facebook pages and share information about the availability of services. The public should be aware that victims of domestic violence may be trapped at home with their abusers and that their situations may become worse.
DVS is temporarily not accepting donations of goods. However, supporters may help by providing a prepared meal for the Safe House residents and staff. To help, readers may visit http://www.caplanc.org and click "Donate."
If a household has been impacted by COVID-19, residents are now eligible for disaster household food distribution regardless of income. Readers may call 211 or visit http://www.uwp.org/211gethelp and click on "Food/Meals" to find food pantries nearby.
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