The mission at SOS is to empower and advocate for those affected by sexual and domestic violence, child abuse and neglect. While COVID-19 is drastically affecting people’s daily lives, SOS offers assurance it is still able to provide help. Businesses and schools are closing, we have more questions than answers, and many of us don’t know what the next day, week, or month will bring. Our communities are struggling with stress, fear, anxiety, and finances.
For SOS clients, going to work or school allowed them a place of safety. For this reason, SOS’s services may be more important than ever. All SOS services remain available to our community: Domestic violence/sexual assault services, domestic violence shelter, child advocacy center interviews and advocacy, CASA volunteers advocating for abused and neglected children, and the Child Visitation and Exchange Center’s monitored exchanges and supervised visits. Because of COVID-19, our services may look a little different, but SOS is committed to the safety of our clients and will work around COVID-19 limitations to bring our community the quality advocacy we’re known for.
At SOS, we are doing our best to continue our services while focusing on the health and safety of everyone involved. We are continuing to staff our 24/7 Helpline, 800-825-1295, to connect victims with advocates and resources, and we will still house clients in our shelter as needed. Our CASA staff is available as always and our CASA volunteers continue their advocacy while practicing physical distancing. Our Child Visitation and Exchange Center is continuing to provide supervised visits, and our CAC is still conducting child disclosure interviews (both with a few additional health precautions in place).
To our clients and anyone in an abusive situation, we want you to know that you are not alone and, if it is safe to do so, call SOS at 800-825-1295.
SOS serves child and adult victims of sexual and domestic violence, child abuse or neglect in east central Kansas, including Chase, Coffey, Lyon, Greenwood, Morris and Osage counties. For more information, call 785-343-8799 or visit www.soskansas.com.
