What is CSO Advocacy?

For some survivors of domestic violence, the Department of Social Health Services (DSHS) is their first stop while trying to find support for their situation. “It can be hard to navigate these systems for a lot of clients,” says M.E. Martin, YWCA Spokane CSO Advocate. “Many of them are still in the middle of experiencing their trauma and are in survival mode too.”

Local Community Services Offices (CSOs) provide many DSHS services, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) which is a monthly cash assistance to families with children who qualify. To receive TANF there are a number of requirements for families, which can create barriers and safety concerns for survivors. Evette M. Salazar is YWCA's second full-time CSO Advocate. She and M.E. divide their time and +120 client caseload between the Maple and Trent DSHS offices, working with survivors of intimate partner domestic violence who are unable to work (a requirement of receiving the financial support) due to violence in the home.

Witnessing Resilience

Our CSO Advocates have a deeper understanding of the complexities of domestic violence and provide a critical lens when working with clients. Advocates strive to make the process as informed and empowering as possible because they know domestic violence inherently involves power and control being taken away from the survivor. “At times, it can feel like survivors are pressured into taking steps they’re not ready for,” Evette shares. “I hope to make it clear that I’m here to support them on their journey and that I trust their understanding of what they need.”

M.E. and Evette check in with their caseload of clients on a regular basis. They witness their clients’ courage and resilience as they navigate incredibly challenging circumstances. M.E. sees each story shared by a client as a testament to their bravery, resilience, and willingness to seek help. “As someone who had a parent who was in a similar situation,” M.E. says, “It feels vital for me to be even a small part of ending violence.”

Recently, Evette spoke with a survivor who had struggled for a long time with accessing support for domestic violence. “Before coming to YWCA Spokane, she had received very little help and felt completely overwhelmed and hopeless,” says Evette, “It was as if a huge weight was lifted off her shoulders just by realizing that there was finally a system in place to help her with a variety of resources.”

Common Barriers

Although TANF provides crucial financial support, it frequently falls short of meeting all the diverse needs individuals face. Compounding economic barriers such as the costs of childcare, housing, legal resources, food, clothing, medical care, and transportation can be overwhelming. For many, TANF's benefits are not enough to cover these expenses fully, necessitating additional support from community resources.

For instance, the lack of adequate funds for housing can result in unstable living conditions or homelessness, further destabilizing a survivor and their family’s lives. Insufficient support for childcare means that survivors may face obstacles to pursuing employment or education, as they lack reliable care for their children. Transportation costs also present a significant barrier. Whether it’s for gas, bus fare, or vehicle repairs, the inability to afford reliable transportation can limit survivors' access to essential services. The financial constraints create a compounding effect, making it difficult for survivors to meet even their basic needs, let alone pursue longer-term stability and independence.

M.E. compares supporting survivors on TANF to a maze. “We are navigating a maze with multiple exits but not every exit gets you to the same place. There are not necessarily wrong decisions, but what do clients feel is the best decision for them?” This nuanced approach is essential, as not every option will be suitable for every individual. When working with clients, our advocates try to empower clients to decide which path is right for them, given both available resources and personal circumstances.

Advocating for Change

Both Evette and M.E. hope for change at different levels to make TANF more accessible to survivors of domestic violence. On an interpersonal level, Evette believes in strengthening relationships with DSHS social workers. She has experienced how miscommunication can create barriers that further complicate the already challenging process that can be accessing TANF. “By fostering stronger communication and connections,” says Evette, “We can make processes smoother and create benefits for everyone involved.” A larger systemic shift M.E. champions is fostering a deeper understanding of how gender violence intersects with the economic system and challenging preconceived notions about individuals who receive financial assistance.

Ultimately, improving support for survivors involves not only enhancing the referral process but also changing the underlying attitudes and structures that contribute to their difficulties. By addressing these systemic issues and working to build stronger connections within the support system, we can create a more effective and supportive environment for survivors seeking TANF assistance.

Learn More

If you are accessing supportive services through the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and are impacted by an abusive partner, we are here to help. Our CSO Advocates are available to provide support to survivors accessing Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) through DSHS.

For questions about TANF, call 509-789-9290. Learn more at ywcaspokane.org/financial-resources.