As the invisible predator we call COVID-19 travels through Newfoundland and Labrador, we hear government officials and media advertisements encouraging us to stay home on a daily basis… but what if home isn’t a safe place to be?
The circumstances of isolation are cutting women’s supports off, creating circumstances where the built-in skills they already have are harder to use.
Laura Winters, Executive Director of St. John’s Status of Women Council
Domestic abuse in 2020: On the rise?
Across the world, recent trends in reported domestic abuse incidents suggest that restrictions in social isolation, coupled with increased economic and social pressures, are leading to higher risk of violence in the household.
Read more.The UN has called for immediate global action to end all forms of violence against women and girls in the midst of a global pandemic.
Newfoundland and Labrador is only in the early stages of COVID-19 social distancing measures, yet we are seeing a similar trend come to fruition in our very own province. Violence Prevention Avalon East and St. John’s Status of Women Council have reported an increase in crisis calls. While Iris Kirby House has not received an increase in crisis calls, as of mid-April, the severity of the calls they are receiving are much worse than they were, pre-pandemic.
If-and-when we see a surge… My concern comes from a capacity to isolate the [abused] women and children who may be COVID-19 positive.
Michelle Greene, Executive Director of Iris Kirby House
We are still here for you.
No matter what your gender, sexual preference, religion, race or age may be; no matter what your lifestyle or economic situation is, we are here for you.
Read more.We are aware that domestic abuse survivors are not solely women and children, but of course, statistics show that women and children are still the most at risk when it comes to domestic abuse.
We are also here to support perpetrators of abuse, who are seeking help and guidance to stop hurting their loved ones. Everybody deserves a safe, happy, and healthy life, free of violence.
Similar to our ten Violence Prevention NL offices, most organizations have switched to a remote work routine. We are still working hard to support you. Meanwhile, food banks and shelters are deemed essential services and they are doing all they can to accommodate the inevitable, uncertain outcomes.
Be assured that we are doing what we can to pivot our methods of outreach during this unprecedented time, to provide the same quality of support.
How can we help you?
Local Support Directory during COVID-19
What domestic abuse supports are available in St John’s and the surrounding Avalon East region, during COVID-19?
Are you isolated with your abuser during COVID-19?
If your partner makes you are feel uneasy or unsafe in your own home, check out these pieces of advice to help mitigate the severity of abuse during COVID-19. Learn how to reach out to your loved ones for support, and how to empower yourself to get out of your situation.
How COVID-19 affects domestic violence in NL
Why is COVID-19 causing increased and more severe instances of domestic abuse? What are survivors of abuse telling crisis lines during COVID-19? How do abusers capitalize on COVID-19 to further their abuse tactics?
Do you know how to spot signs of abusive behaviour during COVID-19?
What are some red flags for abusive behaviour to look out for in your social network/neighbourhood, during COVID-19? What should you do if you notice something?
Do you know somebody who is in an abusive relationship?
Your loved one is isolated with an abusive partner. How can you support them while socially distancing?
Are you afraid that you’re going to hurt a loved one?
Are you struggling with anger issues? Feeling added stress due to the pandemic and afraid you’ll hurt a loved one? This page will talk about how to recognize those signs within yourself, as well as your loved one’s interactions with you. Please do not hesitate to contact us for advice at anytime, or to utilize our the mental health contacts in our local directory.
Click here for a full list of resources used, which made this platform possible.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse in St. John’s, NL or within the surrounding Avalon East region of NL and would like advice about your particular situation, please contact us via email, social network, or phone.
If you are part of an organization in Avalon East NL and want to suggest a support that you didn’t see listed in our directory, please email us and we will add it to the directory as soon as possible.