In this episode, Cristin interviews Kelley Rainey about the effects COVID-19 is having on an increase in domestic violence.
What I would hate to learn is that someone felt that they could never reach out for help because they would be taking away from people who truly needed help in the situation, and victims always truly need help. So, we're here to support them.
Have you heard the news that COVID-19 is causing an increase in domestic violence and intimate partner violence instances? Maybe you have from journalism like this NY Times piece or this article from the Washington Post.
In China’s Hubei province, domestic violence calls nearly doubled. In Spain, their state run domestic violence website saw a 270% increase in traffic. Here in the United States, South Carolina saw a 35% increase in March from February, Houston a 20% increase, and North Carolina 18%. And most states didn't start social distancing or lockdowns until mid March.
I have been reading the above articles so I went to my friend and guest from episode 20, Kelley Rainey, to find out what was going on and how we can help. Kelley is the Director of Domestic Violence Programs for Family and Children's Services, and she readily agreed to be on the show and provide resources for all of us, whether we be experiencing this or be fearful that someone we know and love is.
In this third episode focused on COVID-19 episode, we talk about:
- what domestic and intimate partner violence instances look like pre-COVID-19,
- what's driving what's happening now,
- what resources are available for people who need help,
- what not to do that might bring harm to those that we love, and
- what help we can give to our friends and family we're worried about
Resources Kelley provided include:
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline - 1-800-799-7233
- RAINN - 1-800-656-4673
- Family & Children Services 24 hour line (Kelley's organization) - 443-865-8031 (This is call or text)
Although Kelley's organization serves Baltimore, Maryland and its surrounding counties, her counselors are trained specifically in COVID-19, and they can help create a safety plan that will work for you no matter where you live. You don't need to provide your location or any identifying information.
You’re going to find this episode a short, information filled podcast with resources that can help you now or in the future.
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