By Mikaela Zourob | Development Manager
Thank you for your commitment to survivors of relationship abuse through your support of loveisrespect, a project of the National Domestic Violence Hotline (The Hotline) – especially during this challenging and unprecedented time. In March, we deployed our entire team to work remotely to ensure service continuity throughout this crisis.
From March 16th to June 1st, roughly 10% of contacts to The Hotline and/or loveisrespect cited COVID-19 as a condition of their experience, either it being used by their abuser as a tactic to further abuse and control and/or as a barrier to accessing support services. We anticipate an even more significant spike as shelter-in-place orders are lifted.
Survivors are strong, and we are amazed every day by their bravery. We want them to know that even in times like these, there is still hope, and we are here for them. Helpers and bystanders can play an especially important role. For those of us who know survivors, now is a good time to connect with them and see if we can serve as part of their safety plan.
If you suspect abuse, but aren’t quite sure what to do, you can reach out to The Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), by selecting Chat Now at www.thehotline.org or www.loveisrespect.org, by texting LOVEIS to 1-866-331-9474, or read this article about identifying abuse.
We know that the long-term effects of this pandemic will continue to impact survivors needs. This recent quote from a caller says it all: “I credit The Hotline with saving my life from an abuser, giving me the facts I needed in an emergency to equip myself to get out.”
We are committed to being there every step of the way and couldn’t do without you – thank you!
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