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From YouTube: Governor Newsom's COVID-19 Update - May 29, 2020

Description

Governor Gavin Newsom provides an update on the state's response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Recorded May 29, 2020 in Sacramento.

Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom today announced a series of new initiatives to support victims of domestic violence amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, including $5 million in state funding, a new partnership to secure private funding with $3 million in seed funding, an executive order to help ease the financial strain on domestic violence service providers, and new private sector partnerships to support survivors fleeing violence.

Crisis hotlines, women’s shelters, and public safety officers are reporting a higher number of calls and reports of domestic violence across California since the COVID-19 outbreak and the issuance of the stay-at-home orders.

Anyone experiencing domestic violence should call the state’s 24-hour hotline (800-799-7233) or the national hotline (800-799-SAFE).

Today, the Governor announced the following new initiatives:

Text to 911:
Cal OES’ Public Safety Communications branch has rolled out the “text-to-911” capability throughout the state, allowing individuals to text ‘911’ for emergency services. As of today, 75 percent of California’s population can actively send texts to 911, including almost every major metropolitan area.

Additional Funding:
Last week, Governor Newsom signed an executive order to ease financial burdens on domestic violence centers. The order waives a requirement for domestic violence centers to provide a 10 percent match in funds. Senator Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) has worked extensively on domestic violence issues, including introducing legislation relating to this match requirement.

The state is directing $5.3 million in existing Victims of Crime Act funds to three coalitions to support efforts related to the COVID-19 pandemic: (1) $3 million to California Partnership to End Domestic Violence; (2) $1.6 million to California Coalition on Sexual Assault; and (3) $721,337 Children’s Advocacy Centers of California. These coalitions will distribute funds to local victim service providers.

The federal COVID-19 package included $45 million in funding for Family Violence Prevention and Services grants, with $4,154,993 to California.

In addition to the state funding, the Women’s Foundation of California has committed to working with the state to raise private funds that support domestic violence organizations and, in the longer-term, strengthens organizations centering on gender in California’s economic recovery plan.

For more information regarding the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak in Cupertino, please visit https://www.cupertino.org/coronavirus