Until further notice, all in-person events – including training, program visits and meetings – are cancelled or postponed. For the safety of staff and following local recommendations, WCASA has transitioned to remote work. While we will not be in our Madison office, staff have established workspaces at home where they can continue providing confidential support to programs. It is best to contact staff direct lines; that –and email– will be the best way to connect. Please do not hesitate to reach out.
We will be updating the resources below as more information is made available about COVID-19 and how it impacts our communities and agencies.
While the COVID-19 pandemic is creating stress for everyone, we are deeply saddened to learn of the racist and xenophobic incidents that have been occurring across the globe (and in the U.S.). Now is the time for unity, and we echo the call of Asian American and Pacific Islander Leaders and civil rights organizations for our elected leaders to denounce Anti-Asian racism around COVID-19.
WCASA Communication
- Message to Survivors During COVID-19 – We are pleased to release this Public Service Announcement (PSA) with our partners at End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin letting survivors know they are not alone, and that services are available across the state. Thank you to the programs who participated, and a very special thank you to Josh Beaton from UMOS, Latina Resource Center for lending his time and expertise in developing this PSA.
- Coronavirus Anxiety Workbook - A tool from The Wellness Society to help you build resilience during difficult times.
- WCASA/End Abuse Press Release – Joint press release from WCASA and End Abuse informing survivors they are not alone, and that services are available across the state.
- Resource List for Advocates – This resource contains a variety of resources for advocates grouped by topic.
- Safer at Home Order - Key Provisions Impacting Programs (revised 4.16.20) – This document highlights several important sections of the order that most directly impact SA/DV programs.
- Tech Resources to Help You Work Remotely – This resource provides tech suggestions to help programs work remotely.
- #SAAMFromHome Resources – Ideas to plan a social distancing-friendly SAAM event.
- WCASA Update – Message to programs regarding COVID-19 pandemic.
- Notes for WCASA Zoom Meetings on March 18, 2020: Directors, Advocates
- Sample Client Letter Regarding Services– This letter can be utilized for programs who are currently continuing with in-person services while offering the option to clients about switching to services via telephone. It also includes language about the possibility that all services will move to telephone only if events warrant.
- Sample Client Letter Regarding Services– This letter can be utilized for programs who are currently continuing with in-person services while offering the option to clients about switching to services via telephone. It also includes language about the possibility that all services will move to telephone only if events warrant.
- Resource List for Survivors – This document contains a variety of resources for survivors grouped by topic.
Program Resources
Agency Policies/Operations
- Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Application – The SBA loan forgiveness application and instructions provide further insight into how the process will work and answers many questions around what information is needed and how to calculate the forgiveness amount.
- CDC Decision Tree for Workplaces - The purpose of this tool is to assist employers in making (re)opening decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially to protect vulnerable workers.
- WEDC General Guidance for all Businesses – This guidance was developed to share general best practices for getting ready to reopen your business during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Safer at Home Order (updated 4/16/20) – Text of the Safer at Home Order issued April16, 2020.
- Safer at Home FAQ’s (updated 4/16/20) - Frequently asked questions about the recently released Safer at Home Order.
- Safer at Home Order - Key Provisions Impacting Programs (revised 4.16.20) – This document highlights several important sections of the order that most directly impact SA/DV programs.
- Sample Emergency Paid Leave Benefit Policy and Employee Leave Requests
- FFRCA outline - This guide provides an outline of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
- Policies for paying staff salaries and benefits in the event of a pandemic-related shutdown – Sample language to consider for personnel policies during this health crisis.
- NNEDV Guidance for Programs – This resource offers guidance on topics such as confidentiality, precautionary measures programs can take, and the provision of alternative services.
- OCVS Email to Subgrantees – Email from OCVS staff regarding sustaining services for survivors during COVID-19.
- OCVS Grants COVID-19 FAQs – This resource contains answers to frequently asked questions related to OCVS grant programs, including the Paycheck Protection Program, VOCA, and modifications.
- COVID-19 and the American Workplace (Dept. of Labor) - The Wage and Hour Division provides information on common issues employers and employees face when responding to COVID-19, and its effects on wages and hours worked under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).
- How Nonprofits Can Utilize the New Federal Laws Dealing with COVID-19 – This resource shares insights about how nonprofits might utilize the new federal legislation relating to coronavirus to advance their missions.
- Resource List for Advocates – This resource can be utilized by advocates who are working remotely.
- Tech Resources to Help You Work Remotely - 3/26/20 – This resource provides tech suggestions to help programs work remotely.
- SBA Stimulus Loan Program - – Under the Congressional new CARE Act provision, nonprofits, small businesses, and Tribal businesses may apply for SBA loans that will be up to 100% forgivable. This could be, in effect, a general operating grant for those that are or will experience financial losses due to COVID 19.
- CARES Act Frequently Asked Questions – This resource from the IRS addresses specific issues related to the deferral of employment tax deposits and payment of employment taxes.
- National Council of Nonprofits Chart – This resource compares loans available under the CARE Act.
- OVW Information on COVID-19 – This site contains FAQ’s and additional guidance for OVW grantees.
- COVID-19 Resource Center for Nonprofits - A free resource center for nonprofits – staff, volunteers, board members, and donors
Service Delivery/Digital Communications
- Protecting Survivor Privacy While Working From Home - This resource from the Victim Rights Law Center is designed to help organizations implement best practices regarding privacy and confidentiality of victim information and comply with our obligations as OVW victim service providers.
- RSP Practical Privacy Tips 2020 - RSP put together the following tips on protecting privacy when advocates are working from home or other atypical places.
- Sample Client Letter Regarding Services– This letter can be utilized for programs who are currently continuing with in-person services while offering the option to clients about switching to services via telephone. It also includes language about the possibility that all services will move to telephone only if events warrant.
- Sample Messaging for Programs Regarding Impact on Service Delivery – NJCASA resource programs can utilize/modify regarding how their will be offered during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Resource on Hospital Accompaniment - Resource from NCCASA and other national partners with sample language programs can use regarding hospital accompaniment.
- NNEDV Video Conferencing & Digital Communications Platforms: Comparison Chart - Many programs are asking about using video, chat, and text tools for communication with survivors. The platforms most asked about have been Zoom, ResourceConnect, Gruveo, Cyph, and doxy.me, all of which are described in this resource.
- NNEDV Digitial Services Toolkit – Links to webinar recordings, best practices, and information on choosing technology.
- Telecounseling 101: Providing services to survivors FAQs – This resource from CCASA and Violence Free Colorado answers common questions related to digital services to survivors.
Anti-Racism/Anti-Oppression
- How America Has Racialized Medicine During Epidemics – As data emerges that African Americans are suffering disproportionately from Covid-19, medical practices from past epidemics shed light on a history of racism.
- It's Time to Lead With Racial Equity – Race Forward’s statement on disproportionate COVID-19 cases and deaths in Black and Latinx communities.
- Colorblindness and the Coronavirus – An article by Tim Wise discussing the need to view racism and discrimination as public health issues, particularly in light of the disproportionate impact COVID-19 is having on African-Americans.
- 5 Anti-Racist Actions for White People to Take During COVID-19- An article by Showing Up for Racial Justice that offers suggestions on how white people can move in to action during the pandemic.
- COVID-19: Racial Equity & Social Justice Resources- A resource put together by Racial Equity Tools, a site designed to support individuals and groups working to achieve racial equity.
- Disproportionate racial impacts of COVID – This resource from EmbraceRace contains links that begin to tell the story of the impact of COVID-19 on Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) and other racialized communities.
- Anti-stigma Social Media Toolkit – This toolkit from King County, WA contains messaging and other social media tools to help interrupt stigma and reduce bias as it relates to coronavirus
Community Resources
- WEDC Reopen Guidelines – WEDC has compiled a series of industry-specific documents to help you get back to business while taking the necessary precautions to maximize safety.
- Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) Resources: COVID-19 Guidance and Information – DHS is committed to protecting and promoting the health and safety of the people of Wisconsin, making sure everyone can live their best life.
- Resilient Wisconsin Initiative – This DHS initiative is designed to provide Wisconsinites with the tools to build resiliency, which is critical to helping cope with stress and trauma.
- Badger Bounce Back Plan (Gov. Evers and DHS) – Badger Bounce Back is Wisconsin’s plan to decrease COVID-19 cases and deaths to a low level and increase capacity in our health care system so that a phased reopening of businesses is possible.
- Contact Information for Local Health Departments in Wisconsin – Your local health departments can also be valuable sources for current information and guidance.
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC) COVID-19 Resources and Information – As the nation's health protection agency, CDC saves lives and protects people from health, safety, and security threats.
- Centers for Disease Control ASL Video Series – This resource contains video clips in American Sign Language on a variety of topics related to COVID-19.
- COVID-19 Information for People with Disabilities – Disability Rights Wisconsin webpage with links to resources, news, and other information important to people with disabilities regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.
- A Roundup of Multilingual Resources on COVID-19 - This blog post contains fact sheets, posters, multimedia resources, and links to live updates in multiple languages about COVID-19, its symptoms, and how to prevent it; and about handwashing.
- Unemployment Insurance Provisions in the CARES Act – This resource provides information on what benefits are available to workers who find themselves without any or enough employment or work in these difficult times.
- Dept. of Workforce Development COVID-19 Unemployment Information – This DWD resource contains Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 and Wisconsin Unemployment Benefits. Please note this page allows users to view the FAQs in both Spanish and Hmong
Self-Care/Mental Health Resources
While the resources below are geared to everyone, survivors may find the tips useful during this time when social distancing can lead to increased isolation.
- Self-Care Tips to Get You Through the New Coronavirus Normal – This article provides some self-care anyone can utilize during this stressful time.
- Don't Go Down a Coronavirus Anxiety Spiral – This article offers tips to mitigate stress while at the same time staying up to date on vital information to keep you and your family safe.
- Stressed About COVID-19? Here's What Can Help – This article includes tips for talking with children about COVID-19.
- Workplaces Respond to Domestic and Sexual Violence – Employment-related resources for survivors in the workplace.
- Mental Health and COVID-19 - Information and Resources – A range of resources and information compiled by Mental Health America.
- Resource List for Survivors – This document contains a variety of resources for survivors grouped by topic.
- Sex & COVID-19 - SIECUS explores what safer sex looks like in the time of the coronavirus pandemic.
Resources for Marginalized Communities
- Nyob Zoo Milwaukee TV COVID-19 Special (Hmong) – Information for the Hmong community on COVID-19, including tips on how to keep safe from the virus.
- Centers for Disease Control ASL Video Series – This resource contains video clips in American Sign Language on a variety of topics related to COVID-19.
- COVID-19 Information for People with Disabilities – Disability Rights Wisconsin webpage with links to resources, news, and other information important to people with disabilities regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.
- CDC COVID-19 Extra Precautions for People with Disabilities – This resource from the CDC provides information on the increased risk for some people with disabilities based on whether they have an underlying chronic medical condition.
- COVID-19 and Public Charge: What Immigrant Communities Need to Know – On March 13, USCIS announced that testing, prevention, or treatment for COVID-19, also called Coronavirus, would NOT be used against immigrants in a public charge test. This means that immigrant families should seek the care they need during this difficult time. (National Immigration Law Center)
- COVID-19 Resources for Undocumented Communities - A GoogleDoc that lists nationwide and state resources for undocumented communities that is continuing to be updated.
- Coronavirus Resource Kit – A collectivized compilation of resources from disabled, queer, elderly, Asian, and indigenous people and US-based mutual aid projects.
- Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC) Resources to Stand Against Racism – Asian Americans have been targeted by racism and xenophobia related to COVID-19. This website contains resources in response to this hate.
- National Center for Trans Equality COVID-19 Guide – This resource is designed to assist trans people put together a plan of action in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Hmong Resources for COVID-19 Response – Downloadable resources to support the Hmong community during COVID-19.
- COVID-19: Guidance for Tribal Programs - National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center (NIWRC) document containing resources for Tribal Programs.
Resources from National Organizations
- Futures Without Violence – A health and social justice nonprofit that has created a webpage with updates on COVID-19 for DV and SA survivors and service providers.
- Responding to the Coronavirus Outbreak: Resources to Help Nonprofits – This article includes a variety of resources related to non-profit leadership during a crisis, remote work, and self-care.
- Resource Sharing Project COVID-19 Emerging Responses Resource Page - Since information and guidance continues to change and evolve, RSP created this COVID-19-specific resource page to share information relevant to managing coalitions, offering TA around providing sexual assault advocacy, working with funders, and getting support during this time.
- NNEDV Resources on the Response to COVID-19 – This page includes resources and recommendations for programs in response to COVID-19.
- NSVRC Resources for COVID-19 Response – This page includes key resources and recommendations on COVID-19 as it relates to our work to end sexual harassment, abuse, and assault.
- NIWRC Resources in Response to COVID-19 – Resources and recommendations to support tribal programs.
- Workplaces Respond to Domestic and Sexual Violence – Employment-related resources for survivors in the workplace.