Community Action and Human Services Department adds texting capabilities to the Coordinated Victims Assistance Center (CVAC) Helpline

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Miami-Dade County Community Action and Human Services Department (CAHSD) has added texting capabilities to the Coordinated Victims Assistance Center (CVAC) Helpline to enhance its response and service delivery to victims of domestic violence, sexual violence and human trafficking.

“It’s critical to get victims of domestic violence or human trafficking out of those abusive situations as quickly as possible,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. “Texting is now another way to reach the Helpline and get help.”

The Helpline has assisted thousands since its inception.

“For more than 30 years, CAHSD has provided responsive and supportive services, including emergency sheltering, counseling and safety planning to victims and their dependents,” said Annika S. Holder, CAHSD Interim Director.  

During the pandemic, victims are spending more time in the home with their aggressor. Miami-Dade County has continued to serve victims of domestic violence by providing emergency shelter, transitional housing and a variety of advocacy services at the Coordinated Victims Assistance Center (CVAC). “Being at home because of COVID-19 does not mean having to endure abuse,” said Ivon Mesa, CAHSD Chief of Targeted Service.

The CVAC Helpline was established in 2008 and more than 20,000 calls from victims of domestic violence are answered annually. Today victims can now text the CVAC Helpline at 305-285-5900 to reach a state-trained advocate, 24 hours a day/7 days a week. 

For more information about Miami-Dade Community Action and Human Services Department programs, please call 786-469-4600 or click here to visit us on the web.