(Women's Outreach Centre)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

"KNOW WHO TO REACH OUT TO"

Agencies warn domestic violence likely to rise due to COVID-19 anxiety

Mar 20, 2020 | 1:28 PM

As self-isolation, quarantine and social distancing increase while the COVID-19 pandemic goes on, agencies are warning that incidents of domestic violence are likely to rise.

The Calgary Domestic Violence Collective shared that message on Thursday, and Red Deer-based agencies are echoing it here locally.

Women’s Outreach Executive Director Barb Barber points out that people are on high alert and experiencing stress, uncertainty, and disrupted routines due the ongoing pandemic.

“We are seeing families facing lay-offs or a decrease in income,” Barber added. “This is stressful for individuals at the best of times and when you add in pre-existing unhealthy relationships and diminished coping skills, I believe we are going to see an increase in domestic violence occurring in the home.”

Thankfully, there remain ways to be prepared, for example by having a plan that includes information on who you can call or reach out to in times of stress, and knowing that you deserve to be safe, Barber shares.

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“We know that domestic violence thrives in silence, and at this time when we are facing self-isolation, cancelled public gathering places, and social distancing is being stressed, people are losing their connection to each other and perhaps their social networks,” she says.

“What anyone can do is reach out to our friends and family, just to ask if they’re okay or if they need anything. People just need to know that you care. Even the concern of a total stranger has the ability to make the difference between safety and harm for one family.”

If you are in danger, call 911, she adds. At Women’s Outreach, phone services continue with modified hours of 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m. Monday to Friday. The numbers to call are 403-347-2480, and toll free at 1-866-347-2480.

Meanwhile, the Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter remains incredibly busy.

“With COVID-19, the demand on our crisis line and services will increase, but CAWES will always try to do its best to meet the needs of women and children in our community,” says Rayann Toner, executive director.

“For the most vulnerable, at-risk clients experiencing domestic violence, COVID-19 has added increased layers of complexity in an already difficult and stressful situation. Our mandate is to serve women and children fleeing abuse, women fleeing abuse, women in crisis and other challenges, and we will continue to do so to the best of our ability in the safest way possible.”

The 24/7 helpline for CAWES is 1-888-346-5643.

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre is asking anyone who needs help to connect with them through their 24-hour helpline — by call or text — at 1-866-956-1099. The centre also offers webchat at www.casasc.ca, and is connecting with some clients through video chat.