Domestic Violence & Child Abuse Prevention

Interface understands the impact the current COVID-19 crisis is having on families, and the heightened risk the added stress and social distancing poses for those who have been experiencing abuse. While we have modified our approach to provide more services via telecommunication during this time, we want to assure the community that our family violence intervention services are still available to assist victims in need including: crisis counseling, safety planning, shelter and advocacy. Victims of domestic violence can access Interface’s services by calling our 24/7 hotline at 1-800-636-6738 or by dialing 211.

Additional Resources for Digital Safety

Tech Safety Tips

Tips for Helping Friends Experiencing Domestic Violence During Covid-19

Seeking Additional Online Help Tips

A Guide on Privacy and Safety for Survivors

Facebook’s Guide and Resources of Online Safety

24-Hour Domestic Violence & Human Trafficking Line:
1-800-636-6738

Interface’s Family Violence Intervention Services department provides comprehensive family violence programming that aims to prevent, interrupt and end the cycle of violence within family systems.

To inquire about the availability of the programs below during the COVID-19 crisis please call 1-800-636-6738

Crisis Response

24/7 assistance including: crisis counseling, safety planning, referrals, linkage to safe shelter, restraining orders and immediate in-person response to calls from law enforcement and medical providers.

Support Groups

Safe and supportive weekly groups for women who have been impacted by domestic violence.

Safe Haven Emergency Shelter

A 30-day, confidential shelter for victims fleeing domestic violence. Services offered include: safe shelter, food, clothing, case management, counseling, legal and social service advocacy and other supports tailored to each person’s individual needs. Safe Haven is a pet friendly shelter.

Safe Journey Transitional Shelter

Safe, longer-term shelter which includes case management, counseling and additional services to support each participant through their healing process. The program promotes safety, personal growth and self-sufficiency.

Preventing Family Violence

Child Sexual Abuse Prevention “My Body Belongs to Me”

A personal safety/child abuse prevention program, My Body Belongs to Me, is for children from preschool through 6th grade and their families. The program works to educate and empower children in a non-threatening way, so that they may be better equipped to avoid abuse. This safety program teaches children how to respond to potentially dangerous people and situations. The program is offered to schools, day-care centers and other child care and youth facilities free of charge. To learn more about the My Body Belongs to Me Program call (805) 485-6114 ext. 691

Resources and Videos:

Shifting Boundaries

Shifting Boundaries is an evidence-based program designed to reduce teen dating violence and sexual harassment among middle school students. The program combines classroom lessons and school-wide building interventions with a complementary school-led poster campaign and aims to:

· Increase knowledge and awareness of sexual abuse and harassment

· Promote prosocial attitudes and a negative view of dating violence and sexual harassment

· Promote nonviolent behavioral intentions in bystanders

· Reduce the occurrence of dating and peer violence and sexual harassment

For more information contact Regina Quiroz-Escobedo at rquiroz-escobedo@icfs.org

Resources and Videos:

Teen Dating Violence Prevention

The Teen Dating Violence Prevention Program provides school-based prevention programming to high school students throughout Ventura County. The program includes three, one-hour presentations which are provided over the course of one semester. Presentation topics include discussions on the various forms of dating violence, including emotional, verbal, digital, and physical abuse, and encourages teens to develop healthy communication skills and relationships. For more information or to schedule a presentation please call (805) 485-6114 ext. 691.

Resources and Videos:

Coaching Boys Into Men (Coming Soon!)

Coaching Boys into Men is an evidence-based prevention program that supports and motivates local high school athletic coaches to teach their young male athletes healthy relationship skills and that violence never equals strength. Coaches are trained to provide 15-minute lessons just once a week, which are designed to be integrated into the routine practice and game schedule. To learn more email Billy Edwards at bedwards@icfs.org or visit www.coachescorner.org.

Resources and Videos:

Community Awareness & Outreach

Community awareness and outreach are provided through presentations, informational booths and resources free of charge on topics related to family violence prevention. Our outreach staff and volunteers speak at schools/universities, faith centers, places of employment, medical facilities, law enforcement agencies, health fairs and community events.

The following presentations are available:

Domestic Violence 101
Effects of Domestic Violence on Children
Domestic Violence and the Work Place
Domestic Violence for Health Care Practitioners

Call (805) 485-6114, ext. 652 for more information or to schedule a presentation.

Resources and Videos:

Project Hope features art created by Interface clients, their children, and advocates. For domestic violence survivors, art is a powerful healing tool. Project Hope raises awareness and provides hope when there is none for friends, family, and neighbors who may be suffering in silence, afraid to seek help.

Project Hope is a traveling art exhibit throughout Ventura County that acts as a voice to inspire advocacy to end domestic violence in our region. Since art is an amazing language that can cross-cultural, social and economic lines, the pieces inform, educate and communicate the message of hope for this epidemic. To have Project Hope displayed at your office, school or event, please contact Anna Bell at abell@icfs.org or (805) 485-6114 ext 667.