TCN Domestic Violence Program offering hope, shelter
The stay-at-home order related to COVID-19 is an inconvenience for many. But for some, it’s downright unsafe.
Victims of domestic violence are finding themselves trapped in even worse scenarios than before, with perpetrators always around and few places to leave for respite.
During the past month while the impacts of the coronavirus have been felt locally, occupancy also has doubled at the Soteria House, Logan County’s domestic violence shelter. Nineteen people are currently living there, including two infants under four months old.
The Bellefontaine Police Department reports they’ve received 48 calls for domestic violence in the last month, a 26 percent increase over the same period last year.
Similarly, the Logan County Sheriff’s Office received 50 domestic violence-related calls between March 15 through April 15, while during the same period last year, the agency received 34 calls of that nature.
In addition, Deb Brownlee, TCN Behaviorial Health’s Domestic Violence Program manager, reports that calls for help to TCN’s advocacy line, (937) 593-5777, slowed at the beginning of the stay-at-home order, but have picked up substantially in the last two weeks.
“You and I are feeling stressed, wondering what’s going to happen, worrying about things we didn’t used to worry about. But it’s a double whammy for victims.
“They are also worried about their safety and their children’s safety. The batterer is at home all the time. Maybe the victim thinks they can’t go to a counselor. Wondering, ‘How do I make a plan when I can’t even go out the door?’”
“The social isolation is hard enough in a normal relationship,” said Regina Pursley, the nonresidential case manager for TCN’s Domestic Violence Program, a United Way of Logan County funded program.
“People have cabin fever. But when you’re not in a good relationship, things get blown up ten times worse. There are a lot of short fuses and ‘walking around on eggshells’ out there.”
The local trend follows what’s happening elsewhere. The New York Times reported a rise in domestic violence cases globally where COVID-19 forced stay-at-home orders in an April 6 article.
“A lot of the abusers are home now, not working,” Brownlee said. “Social activities have been restricted. So the power and control issues are worse. They are increasing. The abusers feel like they can get away with it more than ever because they don’t think the victim can get to help.
“Victims feel like there’s no help and there’s no hope. But there is.”
TCN staff are still available to provide support anytime through Telehealth video conferencing with clients or to meet at the courthouse. Brownlee said that though many court cases dealing with domestic violence have been postponed, emergency protection orders can still be obtained.
Social distancing measures have also caused modifications for how the shelter operates. Brownlee said residents mostly stay in their bedrooms while rotating time in the kitchens and common areas. There also is emergency funds to place survivors in hotels.
Masks and gloves are worn and temperatures are taken every day. A pair of laptops were purchased so children staying there could complete their online school assignments.
The shelter representatives said they count their blessings that no one has fallen ill or even had a fever during the last month. Surfaces are constantly wiped down and the entire shelter received a deep spring cleaning.
“We’ve used so much bleach everything should be white by now,” Brownlee said.
Over the weekend, the shelter celebrated the generosity from a group of donors who presented $700 worth of Easter baskets, gift cards, and hand-written notes of encouragement for residents and staff.
“It gives me chills; it was so beautiful,” Brownlee said.
The shelter also is in need of toilet paper, paper towels, masks, gloves, perhaps a scanning thermometer (they only have a traditional oral thermometer). Cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, and frozen microwave dinners are also on the shelter’s wish list. Monetary donations are always appreciated, too.
United Way of Logan County donations support TCN’s Domestic Violence Program, including a $32,000 allocation for 2020.
To reach out for help or to offer assistance, contact TCN’s Domestic Violence Program at (937) 593-5777, the Soteria House at (937) 404-2365, or United Way at (937) 592-2886.