As the nation continues to respond to the pandemic, The Allstate Foundation has remained committed to providing emergency relief and support to domestic violence survivors. Since the public health emergency has made it even more difficult for those experiencing domestic violence to flee their abusers, The National Domestic Violence Hotline jumped into action by deploying all of their advocates to remote work to support survivors.
To protect The Hotline’s ability to answer calls, chats and texts, their technology team swiftly repurposed existing on-site equipment for at-home use, but additional resources were needed to continue offering 24-hour confidential services to survivors while keeping their advocates safely at home.
To fill this need, The Allstate Foundation funded more than $41,000 worth of monitors, monitor stands, webcams and offsite technical assistance. 
Crystal Justice, Chief Development and Marketing Officer at The Hotline explains, “On Friday, we let The Allstate Foundation know what we thought we needed, and we had an answer on Monday. The quick turnaround allowed us to get the equipment and have everyone deployed within three days.” Justice continues, “I’ll never forget one of the greatest moments was the day that most of the equipment showed up. It was like a parade of FedEx and UPS trucks. The equipment was stacked up the walls!”
Through this support, The Hotline staff were prepared to answer survivors’ calls for help and act as a backup for other hotlines and providers whose services faced suspension due to COVID-19, which will continue to be crucial in the months ahead. The Hotline has reported that they’re anticipating sustained increases in contact volume throughout the remainder of 2020 and beyond due to the long-term effects of the pandemic.
As victims face a lack of security while closures, restrictions and stay-at-home orders continue, they may fall subject to closer surveillance by their abusers. Fortunately, The Hotline advocates are professionally trained to provide safety planning and resources for these instances whether they’re at the workplace or at home. Justice fondly remarked, “We’re always here. Our doors never close. Our phones never shut off. Allstaters should feel a great sense of pride that they make that possible every day, and they have for years.”
She continues by explaining that “The Allstate Foundation’s gift to move our staff to remote work was the first of many. By stepping up in such a big way, it inspired other corporations and individuals to do the same. In the end, we raised $1.4 million in three months to support our emergency COVID-19 efforts, but Allstate Foundation was the very first gift.”
For two decades, The Allstate Foundation has been on a mission to end domestic violence by providing survivors the resources needed to achieve their potential again, and we are proud to support the National Domestic Violence Hotline’s remote work efforts and more.
The Allstate Foundation is proud to support The National Domestic Violence Hotline’s work with survivors during this time of crisis. Learn more about The Allstate Foundation’s resources and work to end domestic violence here. For anyone affected by abuse and needing support, call The National Domestic Violence Hotline’s 24-hour confidential service at 1-800-799-SAFE and reach out online.