Quarantining, social distancing and isolation during this uncertain time with COVID-19, can allow abusers to maintain and/or increase the control over their victims. The YWCA is dedicated to our clients and wants you all to know that we are here for you!
Check out this article by TIME Magazine that discusses some of the reason COVID-19 is increasing the dangers for victims: http://time.com/5803887/coronavirus-domestic-violence-victims/
It is important to keep in mind that creating a safety plan can be helpful during this time.
A safety plan is a personalized, practical plan that includes ways to remain safe while in a relationship, planning to leave, or after you leave. Call our hotline if you need assistance in creating your personalized safety plan.
Most importantly, during this time self-care is extremely helpful for your mental health. Below is an article about ways that you can practice self-care
http://www.thehotline.org/2016/03/31/5-self-care-tips-for-abuse-and-trauma-survivors/
If you currently have an active Orders of Protection through Family Court, they have been extended to ensure your safety. Anyone with Family Court proceedings through Genesee County Court, you should be receiving a letter from the court with your new court appearance date. If you are actively working with a case manager, please call our hotline so we can plan accordingly to accompany you to your next appearance.
As the cases of COVID-19 continue to rise, our job is to work together to keep our community safe. You are not alone in this, we are only a phone call away. If it is not safe for you to make a phone call to our hotline, you can send us a private message on Facebook Messenger at YWCA Genesee or email our Domestic Violence Program at jgarner@ywcagenesee.org
