Community Violence Solutions: Supporting Survivors in Marin County, California

Kristine Fowler Cirby

Community Violence Solutions (CVS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual assault and abuse, empowering communities to prevent violence, and fostering a safer, more equitable society. Serving Contra Costa and Marin counties in California, CVS offers a comprehensive range of services designed to support survivors, provide education, and facilitate systemic change. For attorneys practicing in Marin County, understanding the resources CVS provides is essential to offering trauma-informed legal advocacy and connecting clients with critical support.

The Mission and Scope of Community Violence Solutions

Founded in 1974, CVS was one of the first rape crisis centers in California. Over the decades, the organization has expanded its services to address the multifaceted challenges faced by survivors of violence. CVS’s mission is to heal the wounds caused by sexual assault and abuse while preventing future harm through education and systemic reform.

In Marin County, CVS operates with a strong emphasis on collaboration with local agencies, law enforcement, and the legal community. For survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or abuse, CVS provides an indispensable partner in navigating the complex web of services and support systems.

Core Services Offered by CVS in Marin County

24-Hour Crisis Intervention and Advocacy: One of CVS’s cornerstone services is its 24-hour crisis hotline, staffed by trained advocates who provide immediate emotional support, information, and resources to survivors. Advocates can accompany survivors to hospitals, law enforcement interviews, and court proceedings, offering reassurance and guidance during traumatic experiences. Attorneys working with survivors can coordinate with CVS advocates to ensure clients have emotional and logistical support throughout the legal process.

Counseling Services: CVS offers trauma-informed counseling to survivors of sexual assault, child sexual abuse, and human trafficking. Individual and group counseling sessions help clients process their experiences and develop coping strategies. Attorneys representing survivors in family law or civil litigation cases can refer clients to CVS’s counseling services to help them manage the emotional challenges associated with legal proceedings.

Forensic Medical Exams: In partnership with local hospitals, CVS facilitates forensic medical exams for sexual assault survivors. These exams are conducted by Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs), who are trained to collect evidence while providing compassionate care. Attorneys can educate clients about the importance of timely forensic exams for preserving evidence that may be critical in criminal or civil cases.

Legal Advocacy and Support: CVS’s legal advocacy services are particularly valuable for survivors navigating restraining orders, custody disputes, and other legal matters. Legal advocates assist clients in understanding their rights, completing paperwork, and accessing court services. For attorneys, CVS can be a resource to streamline client support and enhance the survivor’s understanding of the legal process.

Human Trafficking Support: CVS operates a dedicated program to support survivors of human trafficking. This program includes crisis intervention, case management, and collaboration with law enforcement and legal professionals. Attorneys representing trafficking survivors can benefit from CVS’s expertise in addressing the unique needs of this population.

Community Education and Prevention: Recognizing that prevention is key to reducing violence, CVS conducts educational programs for schools, workplaces, and community groups. These programs cover topics such as consent, healthy relationships, bystander intervention, and trauma-informed practices. Attorneys involved in community outreach or interested in enhancing their own trauma-informed skills can collaborate with CVS’s education team.

The Importance of Trauma-Informed Legal Practice: Working with survivors of violence requires sensitivity to the impact of trauma on memory, communication, and decision-making. Trauma-informed legal practices prioritize the survivor’s safety, autonomy, and dignity. Attorneys can incorporate trauma-informed principles by:

• Recognizing the signs of trauma and adjusting communication styles accordingly.

• Providing clear explanations of legal procedures to reduce anxiety.

• Collaborating with organizations like CVS to ensure clients receive wraparound support.

Stories of Resilience and Hope

Two cases highlight CVS’s impact on individual lives:

R.J., A 13-Year-Old Latina Survivor R.J. lives with her mom and her dad in the Canal area. The Victim told her therapist that her uncle had touched her, tried to kiss her, and showed her pornographic videos. Following the disclosure to the therapist, the Victim attempted to kill herself by drinking bleach. R.J. had a forensic interview at Jeannette Prandi Center, and CVS had an advocate attend the interview with R.J. and her mom. The family was grappling with the devastating reality that the offender was a close relative. While the uncle fled to Guatemala, CVS continued to assist the family through counseling for R.J. and her parents with in-person counseling services, ensuring they were not alone in their journey toward healing. R.J. is now attending a support group for Spanish-speaking clients. 

R.B., A 15-Year-Old Human Trafficking Survivor. R.B. is a 15-year-old female whose older brother sexually assaulted her. The best practice to support her after being sexually assaulted was being physically present for her throughout the forensic exam. Unfortunately, she did not receive proper attention when entering the emergency room. Law enforcement failed to notify the emergency department that a minor was being brought in for a forensic exam, so she waited over 7 hours before being seen by the forensic examiner. The hospital failed to call CVS for an advocate to provide accompaniment services. CVS then arrived at the hospital for an advocate to provide accompaniment services. 

Unfortunately, R.B. lacks adequate social/familial support, and her relationship with her biological parents and family has been strained due to her parents' drug addiction and unsupportive behavior. There were concerns that she was at risk of being trafficked. The CVS advocate established rapport with R.B., who was delightful and was happy to have someone joining her care team who was understanding, compassionate, and nonjudgmental. The CVS advocate and R.B. met weekly to work on social-emotional awareness, as well as for ongoing case management. With CVS’ help, R.B. set safety planning and emotional awareness in place. R.B. has made significant progress. 

The Importance of Trauma-Informed Legal Practice

Attorneys working with survivors must recognize the impact of trauma on communication and decision-making. Trauma-informed legal practices prioritize survivors’ safety and dignity. Partnering with CVS ensures clients receive wraparound care, supporting their emotional stability and engagement in the legal process.

Community Violence Solutions plays a vital role in Marin County by providing survivors of violence with critical services, from crisis intervention to counseling and legal advocacy. For attorneys, understanding and leveraging these resources can enhance their ability to provide compassionate, effective representation. Whether helping a client secure a restraining order, advocating for fair custody arrangements, or supporting a survivor of trafficking, attorneys can rely on CVS as a trusted partner in the pursuit of justice and healing. If you would like to donate to Community Violence Solutions, you can do so here.