October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. NO MORE is a campaign dedicated to ending domestic violence and sexual assault by increasing awareness, inspiring action, and fueling culture change. NO MORE’s awareness campaign for October is “Listening from Home”. This campaign is encouraging everyone to pay attention and listen for signs of domestic violence. If people know or suspect someone is being subjected to domestic violence it is important to keep the vital line of support open, especially during COVID-19.
Because of COVID-19 many aspects of life have been altered. Although limiting in person socialization and contact is known to be one of the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19, this limited contact is also isolating folks who are being subjected to domestic violence.
Domestic violence is all about power and control and isolation is often a tactic within abusive relationships or families. In an isolated environment, control is easily used by those that choose to abuse and it makes it easier to hide the abuse. Worldwide reports from professionals within the field report that rates of domestic violence have increased. US National Domestic Violence Hotline reports that abusive partners might use tactics such as giving incorrect information about the virus or preventing victims from seeking medical attention if they need it.
The ways in which we are protecting people from the virus can negatively impact those being subjected to domestic violence. Those who rely on visiting friends or family, going to work or school, extracurricular activities, events etc. as a break from the abuse may now be stuck at home without an escape. This isolation may prevent people from being able to get support.
If you know or suspect somebody is being subjected to domestic violence, please keep that vital line of support open. VPC encourages everyone within our community to listen and watch for abuse. Please call VPC 24/7 for free and confidential support or call the Cook County’s sheriff ’s department if you hear somebody getting hurt, or if you think their life is at risk. Contact Information: (24/7) 218-387-1262 or 218-387-1237 hope4U@boreal.org violencepreventioncenter.org
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