The Domestic Violence Center of Chester County’s staff has continued to work tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. As an essential service, protecting and housing victims and survivors of domestic violence, we knew that this period of uncertainty would impact the work we do. With many victims isolated at home with their abusers, and unemployment rates skyrocketing, we saw many at increased risk for violence. At DVCCC, our hotline calls increased by 15% after the shutdown order was put in place and continued at that elevated level. We worked quickly to assure our services could continue to be provided – developing emergency procedures and protocols, increasing and improving sanitization efforts, moving families in shelter to hotels temporarily to assure social distancing, donning masks and putting up shields in offices, and leaning into technology as a way to increase outreach and services to those who could not come in person. As our community begins to phase into a safer stage of this virus, we want to remind you that we are still here and have made every necessary update to assure the health and safety of our staff, residents, and survivors. We thank Chester County for their outpouring of generosity during this time of increased need. Donations are welcomed and can be made online.