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We chose to raise awareness during this holiday season (although National Domestic Violence Awareness is spotlighted during the month of October), because in addition to the usual stress of the holidays, there is also of the additional stress of COVID-19 related issues.  Stress from businesses and schools closing, and the fear of contracting the virus, are leaving many people out of work and financially strained, further increasing the likeliness that domestic abuse will begin, continue, or escalate.

According to a news article from NBC news, the restricted movement related to COVID-19 has resulted in increased isolation and has reduced the ability of the abused person to gain call for help or access resources because the abuser is also in the home. Additionally, shelters, legal services, and mental health resources are not always open or available because of the virus, making it difficult for an abused person to find a place to go for safety or to reach out for assistance.

Research about an increase in domestic violence amid the Coronavirus epidemic also confirms the increased prevalence of domestic violence during the past several months.  An article from the American Journal of Emergency Medicine.  This article states:

            “Isolation may expose or worsen vulnerabilities due to a lack of established social support systems. The temporary shutdown of non-essential businesses has led to unemployed and economic strain [⁴]. Quarantine conditions are associated with alcohol abuse, depression, and post-traumatic stress symptoms [⁵]. Stay-at-home orders may cause a catastrophic milieu for individuals whose lives are plagued by domestic violence (DV).”

So where can one turn to for assistance if they are living in an unsafe, abusive relationship?  Here are resources:

• If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), visiting www.thehotline.org or texting LOVEIS to 22522.
• The National Network to End Domestic Violence’s own WomensLaw.org offers an online legal hotline in addition to plain-language information for survivors of abuse.
• COVID-19 resource toolkit from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV). This includes information on state-specific resources, animals and IPV, child abuse, employers, emergency preparedness, and culturally-specific resources.
• Florida DCF information of local centers:
• US Department of Health and Human Services site has links to each state that will take you to available resources in your state.

Here are some National organizations that work with domestic violence victims.

• National Women’s Coalition Against Violence & Exploitation

• Shield Foundation

• National Clearinghouse for the defense of Battered Women

• National Network to End Domestic Violence