Domestic violence survivors have support during this crisis.
Dear Friend,
Hopefully time together at home is good for you and your family but we know that for some being in such close proximity all of the time can be a risk. Everyone is under a heightened level of stress as we cope with this pandemic.
Before going forward in reading this email, I urge you to take a few deep breaths. The content is disturbing.
Alarmingly, at a time you would expect to hear more from domestic violence survivors, crisis services are getting significantly fewer calls than usual. A close look at the data shows that survivors are being silenced. Not even a call to 911 guarantees that an abuser will be arrested.
My friends at Sakhi - a terrific organization that provides supportive services to Southeast Asian survivors - report that hotline calls have dropped significantly since we began to shelter in place. Safe Horizon, which staffs the City’s 1-800-621-HOPE number, also reported a sharp decline and is only now reporting a slow uptick in calls.
At our May 1 Oversight Hearing ([link removed]) : The Impact of Coronavirus on Domestic Violence in NYC, we heard about a wide range of challenges. Now that people are in close quarters under increased stress more tensions flare beyond intimate partners and may be between parents and children, or siblings, and the elderly.
The additional stresses of being housebound -- losing a job, or putting oneself in harms way as an essential worker -- increases the risk of violence. Being home together - isolated - with fewer ways to connect with friends, family, and helpers limits the opportunities for survivors to reach out to those who can assist them. Concerns about coronavirus may further limit survivors reaching out and hamper the ability to get to a safe space.
I want survivors to know that I am here for you. City services are here for you. All providers are here for you. Please reach out to get help now.
* All of NYC’s Family Justice Centers are offering all services albeit by phone. Click here ([link removed]) for each borough center’s contact information. They are open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. Learn more about how Family Justice Centers can help ([link removed]) .
* NYC’s 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-621-4673 - all languages spoken.
* National Domestic Violence 24/7 Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-799-7233 for TTY. If you are unable to speak safely, log onto thehotline.org ([link removed]) or text LOVEIS to 22522.
* Visit the NYC HOPE Resource Directory online ([link removed]) .
* Sanctuary for Families ([link removed]) released terrific Safety Planning Guidelines ([link removed]) for domestic violence survivors.
The May 1 Hearing ([link removed]) confirmed what we suspected: the City needs to do better to support survivors and the easiest way to do that is to double down on communication and messaging. Domestic Violence must be included in all safety recommendations, just like the importance of washing hands. The universal call to action from all of the over 30 nonprofit providers who testified was we need robust and culturally competent messaging. Our bus shelters and Link’s should be covered with the hotline numbers. TV and radio stations should be flooded with hotline numbers.
The City also must plan for the wave of demand for services as the “shelter in place” orders are eased. France, as they have slowly lifted their stay at home orders, has already documented a 30% increase in demand for domestic violence services. The data tells the story, I will continue to advocate for survivors.
Warmly,
Helen Rosenthal
** Be Kind / Stay Home / Save Lives
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