Santa Clara Advocates Push For Prevention After Recent Domestic Violence Deaths

India-West News Desk

SANTA CLARA, CA – A coalition of domestic violence service providers in Santa Clara County has issued an urgent call for greater community action following a recent increase in domestic violence deaths, saying the fatalities underscore the need for stronger prevention efforts, sustained funding, and broader public awareness.

In a joint statement released July 23, the Domestic Violence Advocacy Consortium (DVAC) of Santa Clara County said every domestic violence death is a preventable tragedy that leaves lasting impacts on families, workplaces, schools, and the community.

“Domestic violence is not a private issue and demands that all of us pay attention, speak up, and take action,” the consortium said.

DVAC said domestic violence often follows a pattern of escalating abuse, coercive control, and isolation, and that many recent tragedies were preceded by warning signs that family members, friends, coworkers, healthcare providers, educators, faith leaders, or neighbors may have noticed but did not know how to address. Recognizing those signs and connecting victims with support early can save lives, the group said.

The consortium called for a community-wide commitment to preventing domestic violence by promoting healthy relationships, educating young people about respect and consent, addressing the root causes of violence, and holding offenders accountable.

It also urged continued investment in culturally responsive and trauma-informed services so survivors, regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, income, age, ability, immigration status, or language, can access help when they need it.

The coalition asked community leaders, employers, educators, elected officials, and residents to play a more active role in prevention. Among its recommendations were learning the warning signs of abuse, checking in on friends, relatives, neighbors, and coworkers, making domestic violence resources visible in workplaces and community organizations, sharing information about available services, supporting prevention funding, and opposing discrimination that may discourage victims from seeking help.

DVAC emphasized that people experiencing abuse do not need to be in immediate danger or ready to leave a relationship before reaching out for assistance.

The consortium also highlighted confidential support services available through its five member organizations: Asian Americans for Community Involvement (AACI), Community Solutions, Maitri, Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence, and YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley. Together, the organizations provide crisis hotlines, counseling, legal advocacy, shelter referrals, and multilingual services for survivors throughout Santa Clara County.

The statement was endorsed by Sarita Kohli, CEO of AACI; Rachel Montoya, president and CEO of Community Solutions; Rama Dharmarajan, executive director of Maitri; Colsaria Henderson, executive director of Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence; and Adriana Caldera Boroffice, CEO of YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley.

 Resources:

Maitri

Helpline (Weekdays, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.): 888-862-4874
Website: maitri.org
Languages: English, Bangla, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, and other South Asian languages.

AACI (Asian Americans for Community Involvement)

24/7 Domestic Violence Hotline: 408-975-2739
Website: aaci.org
Languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and other Asian languages.

Community Solutions

24/7 Crisis Line: 877-363-7238 (877-END-SADV)
Website: communitysolutions.org
Service Area: Morgan Hill, San Martin, and Gilroy
Languages: English and Spanish.

Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence

Walk-in Hours: Weekdays, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (extended hours as needed)
24/7 Hotline: 408-279-2962
Website: nextdoorsolutions.org
Languages: English and Spanish, with interpretation available in all other languages.

YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley

Walk-in Hours: Weekdays, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
24/7 Support Line: 800-572-2782
Website: yourywca.org
Languages: English and Spanish.

Confidential Online Chat: safechatsv.org
Text: 833-488-1236