COVID-19 Updates

June 1, 2021 Updates

VSC monitors local government and CDC guidelines regarding our ability to continue providing services as in-person services. Below are the measures we currently have in place to reduce COVID-19 exposure risk for our team and those we serve. These are subject to change, without notice, based on CDC or local government directives:

  • VSC Victim Advocates/Crisis Counselors have increased efforts to reach out to clients via the clients’ self-identified safest communication method (i.e. phone/ email/ letter) to provide information and services, as appropriate.

  • VSC added a crisis text line available 8am-5pm Monday-Friday at (407) 497-6701 for increased access to VSC Victim Advocates/Crisis Counselors.
  • VSC Therapy and Victim Advocates/Crisis counselors will use HIPAA compliant web-based sessions for individuals when possible. VSC team members will communicate with the clients directly on this process.

  • Fully vaccinated* staff, volunteers, clients & guests no longer need to wear a mask. They may continue to wear a mask if they prefer.

  • Unvaccinated and not fully vaccinated staff, volunteer, clients & guests need to wear a mask.

  • All VSC staff and volunteers, regardless of vaccination status, are to wear a mask when interacting in-person with clients or participating in outreach events.

  • All VSC staff are encouraged to continue maintaining a social distance standard of 3 feet and keep gatherings to a minimum.

  • VSC policies include measures for protection of personal safety and confidentiality when assisting clients via teletherapy and/or remote access. Clients must provide their informed consent to proceed with teletherapy services. 

  • All clients scheduled for any appointment, including a forensic exam for evidence collection, must complete a pre-screening questionnaire in advance. Any increased risk for COVID 19 exposure will lead to a postponement of the appointment. 

  • All clients coming to VSC offices in-person must have a scheduled appointment where an advocate will explain to you what to expect when visiting our offices. Please do not arrive more than 5 minutes before your scheduled appointment time, and please come alone. We have removed the chairs from our waiting room for the time being. If you have a guardian or minor that must be inside for safety that has been approved through an advocate prior to your visit, we have one chair available that will be cleaned before and after use and they are also subject to mask requirements where applicable. 

  • When you arrive please call our offices at (407) 254-9415 where an advocate or therapist will review screening questions and inform you of our updated mask policies. If you do not have a face mask, one will be provided to you if needed.

  • We ask that as you to please be mindful of social distancing of at least 3 ft. between parties at all times where possible and only ride the elevator two at a time in our building.

  • We have added extra cleaning services and procedures to our offices which are being cleaned daily and as needed throughout the day.

  • Forensic exams will be conducted according to health protocols with use of protective gear and masks for the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, Victim Advocate and patient as needed.

  • Some of VSC’s various Support groups may be offered via HIPAA compliant web-based sessions- details will be shared with group members.

  • If you need extra support please reach out to our office (407) 254-9415, or our 24/7 helpline (407) 500-HEAL. 

  • Please follow us on social media at @VSCFlorida for updates and supportive tips for those who may feel overwhelmed, uncertain and isolated during this time.

While our offices will look a little different, our vision has remains the same: to provide our essential and free services to survivors of trauma. We look forward to seeing you and helping you on your healing journey. Remember that VSC is always here for you on our 24/7 crisis helpline (407) 500-HEAL, and we have added at text line Monday-Friday between 8am-5pm (407) 497-6701. Since VSC works with individuals who’ve experienced personal traumatic circumstances we understand at times like this, managing anxiety and stress may be difficult which is why we are determined to remain available to those who need our services. The situation surrounding COVID-19 is changing daily and we are adapting to the best of our abilities. If you need to reach us or have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. 

* Fully vaccinated is defined as people who are beyond the two week period after receiving the second dose of a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.