When home is unsafe: Beaufort Co. agency fears more domestic violence during coronavirus
Medical professionals, state and local governments haven’t minced words: the safest place to be during the spread of coronavirus is at home.
But what if home isn’t safe?
Support agencies such as Hopeful Horizons are preparing for a new normal: assisting people experiencing domestic, sexual violence or child abuse when they’re staying at home with abusers because of coronavirus and living with increased financial pressure.
“I think the thing that weighs most heavily on us is that staying at home means that abusers have more access” to people experiencing violence, Erin Hall, Hopeful Horizons Chief Development officer, told The Island Packet. “For someone who has already been through trauma, the amount of stress that this adds, on top of that trauma, is concerning.”
National advocacy groups have warned that the coronavirus creates a scary environment for people in abusive relationships, CNN has reported.
- Sales of firearms are on the rise in many parts of the country. Abusers often use guns to intimidate.
- Unemployment, which can lead to higher alcohol consumption due to stress, has increased as restaurants, small businesses and bars shut down for the virus.
- Survivors of sexual assault and physical violence may be hesitant to seek treatment or testing at hospitals where they could be exposed to COVID-19 patients.
With fewer escapes from the house available during the coronavirus, Hall said local advocacy organizations are preparing for more calls.
Those calls will have to address not only what is best for victims and their children, but what is safest during a nationwide pandemic.
“Calls are coming in for the same reasons,” Hall said. “But the callers are much more anxious. ... (Coronavirus) makes it more challenging because financially, people are going to be struggling more, and that means they may have to stay in violent situations.”
The closure of most courts adds an additional level of stress to advocacy organizations, Hopeful Horizons chief executive officer Kristin Dubrowski said.
“Uncertainty for the future creates more stress and anxiety, and we are concerned about individuals and families who may need Hopeful Horizons’ services now more than ever,” she said.
Hearings for orders of protection are ongoing, but custody, divorce and child support proceedings are on hold in Beaufort County, Hall said.
Although Hopeful Horizons and other advocacy services have mostly closed offices, and opportunities for face-to-face discussions with people experiencing violence are limited, online resources exist.
Hall said therapists and staff are connecting with people through confidential video chats rather than in-person check-in appointments.
If you’re experiencing abuse during coronavirus
The 14th Circuit Victims Center is a resource for those affected by domestic violence and particularly for victims of child abuse or sexual assault. The center is equipped for forensic interviews and pediatric acute sexual assault exams.
Center staff will continue to be on-call and respond accordingly to both the 14th Circuit Children’s Center and area hospitals in the event of a reported sexual assault.
For assistance, call the Victims Services Center at (843) 790-6220, or reach the on-call forensic nurse examiner at (843) 212-2441.
Among other local and national support centers that help people experiencing violence:
Hopeful Horizons Crisis Hotline: Call (800) 868-2632.
The hotline can be accessed 24/7, and the center can also help with access to a therapist, assistance finding a shelter, and food and gift cards, Hall said.
South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault: (803) 256-2900
During office hours, the coalition can help people experiencing violence find resources.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) National Sexual Assault Hotline: Call 1-800-656-4673
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453
Office on Women’s Health Helpline: 1-800-994-9662
Safety planning
Hall said another important step during the coronavirus is to create a safety plan, which may be different from plans created two months ago.
The safety plan should include information such as:
- If something happens, who are the people you trust that you can call? If that’s not the police, is it a neighbor or friend?
- How can you practice self care and grounding? How can you bring yourself back to a calmer place to make decisions?
- If you have children, how can you manage and protect them? Do you have a code word to call the police or trusted person to help?
This story was originally published March 31, 2020 at 11:51 AM.
