Joint Statement 

DATE: July 23, 2026

FROM: Domestic Violence Advocacy Consortium of Santa Clara County

A CALL FOR ACTION: EVERYONE IS NEEDED TO HELP PREVENT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND SUPPORT SURVIVORS
A joint statement from the Domestic Violence Advocacy Consortium of Santa Clara County 

SANTA CLARA, COUNTY – The recent increase in domestic violence deaths has shaken our community and reminded us of an urgent reality: domestic violence continues to threaten the safety, health, and well-being of too many individuals and families. As organizations committed to preventing violence and supporting survivors, the Domestic Violence Advocacy Consortium (DVAC) stands united for greater awareness, stronger prevention efforts and continued investment in life-saving services.

Every life lost to domestic violence is a preventable tragedy that forever changes families, friends, workplaces, schools, and our community as a whole.  Domestic violence is not a private issue and demands that all of us pay attention, speak up, and take action. While every situation is unique, we know that domestic violence often follows a pattern of escalating abuse, coercive control, and isolation. 

Many of the tragedies our community mourns today were preceded by warning signs that family members, friends, coworkers, healthcare providers, educators, faith leaders, or neighbors may have noticed but did not know how to respond to. Recognizing those warning signs and connecting someone to support early can make a life-saving difference. 

Preventing domestic violence requires sustained community-wide commitment and investment. It begins with promoting healthy relationships, teaching young people about respect and consent, addressing the root causes of violence, and ensuring that those who cause harm are held accountable. It also means that survivors, regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, income, age, ability, immigration status, or spoken language, have access to culturally responsive, trauma-informed support whenever they need it. It also requires community leaders, including employers, educators, and elected officials to prioritize prevention efforts and funding for support services.

Each of us has a role to play in preventing domestic violence. Check in on friends, family members, neighbors, and coworkers. Reach out with compassion, listen without judgment, believe survivors, and remind them they are not alone. 

We ask every Santa Clara County resident to build a safer community by: 

  • Learning the warning signs of domestic violence and coercive control. 

  • Speaking up when you are concerned about someone’s safety.

  • Taking steps to prevent and interrupt violence in your own relationships and communities.

  • Making domestic violence resources visible in your workplace, school, faith community, or business.

  • Posting hotline numbers and resource information where people can safely access them.

  • Inviting a DVAC organization to provide training or education for your staff, students, or community members.

  • Sharing information about local domestic violence services so survivors know help is available before a crisis occurs.

  • Supporting policies and funding that strengthen prevention efforts and ensure survivors have access to life-saving services.

  • Demanding an end to all forms of discrimination including gender, race, nationality, immigration status, and other intersections in our communities, so that victims and survivors do not hesitate in seeking help.

No one should have to navigate domestic violence alone. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence–even if you’re not sure–confidential, free, and culturally responsive support is available. You do not have to be in immediate danger or ready to leave a relationship to reach out for help.  

Domestic Violence Advocacy Consortium Resources & Support:

Whether you are seeking immediate safety, information, legal advocacy, counseling, or simply someone to listen, we are here for you. 


AACI (Asian Americans for Community Involvement) | Website: aaci.org

24/7 Domestic Violence Hotline: 408-975-2739

Available bilingual advocates: English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and other Asian languages.


Community Solutions | Website: communitysolutions.org

24/7 Crisis Line: 877-363-7238 (877-END-SADV)

Services provided in Morgan Hill, San Martin, and Gilroy

Available bilingual advocates: English and Spanish

Maitri | Website: maitri.org

(9 am-3 pm weekdays) 

Helpline: 888-862-4874

Available bilingual advocates: English, Bangla, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu and other South Asian languages

Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence | Website: nextdoorsolutions.org

(Walk-in 9 am-5 pm weekdays, as needed extended hours) 

24/7 Hotline: 408-279-2962

Available bilingual advocates: English and Spanish; interpretation for all other languages

YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley  | Website: yourywca.org

(Walk-in 9 am – 5 pm weekdays) 

24/7 Support Line: 800-572-2782

Available bilingual advocates: English and Spanish


For confidential online chat, visit safechatsv.org or text 833-488-1236  (M: 10 am – 12:30 pm, 4:30 – 8:00 pm; Tu: 10 am – 12:30 pm, 6:00 – 8:00 pm; W: 10 am – 12:30 pm, 1:00 – 4:30 pm, 6:00 – 8:00 pm; Th: 10 am – 12:30 pm, 6:00 – 8:00 pm; F-Su: 1:00 – 6:00 pm)


This statement is supported by 

Sarita Kohli, CEO, AACI

Rachel Montoya, President & CEO, Community Solutions

Rama Dharmarajan, Executive Director, Maitri

Colsaria Henderson, Executive Director, Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence

Adriana Caldera Boroffice, CEO, YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley

   

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES:


About the Domestic Violence Advocacy Consortium of Santa Clara County

Started in 2004, the Domestic Violence Advocacy Consortium of Santa Clara County (SCC DVAC) is a coordinated network of nonprofit domestic violence service providers that advance survivor defined policies and ensure effective leadership and collaboration with policymakers at the local and state level. With more than 225 years of combined experience, DVAC’s member agencies each bring as many as five decades of trusted, community-based service. Each partner works with diverse communities in reducing and ending gender-based violence (GBV), whether domestic violence (DV), human trafficking (HT), or sexual assault (SA). DVAC members include the five confidential GBV service providers: Asian Americans for Community Involvement (AACI), Community Solutions, Maitri, Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence, and YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley (YWCA GGSV). Together, we work to ensure that survivors throughout the county have access to seamless, survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive support.