YWCA Provides Lifeline for Domestic Violence Victims During Pandemic

A Lifeline During Lockdown: YWCA Provides Crucial Aid to Domestic Violence Victims During Pandemics

For many families, the coronavirus stay-at-home orders marked a time of unexpected togetherness. Parents and children bonded in new ways, learning to co-exist and grow closer. Sadly, though, not all families experienced this silver lining.

In homes marked by domestic violence and sexual assault, the pandemic created a terrifying reality for victims.

Suddenly trapped with their abusers, survivors were stripped of their safe havens outside the home. Victims of sexual assault feared going to hospitals for treatment. The fear of contracting the virus compounded by the trauma when seeking help from the legal system.

“COVID-19 has been especially unkind to people trapped at home with their abuser,” said De Stewart, an advocate with the YWCA Clark County’s Sexual Assault program. “We know that 94% of victims of sexual abuse know their offender. COVID puts many folks, including children and young adults, at risk for intimate partner violence.”

Statistics sadly corroborate her words. A recent report from National Public Radio revealed a surge in abuse reports for youth 18 and younger. Two-thirds reported the help was perpetrated by a family member.

While YWCA’s headquarters on Main Street were closed to the public, their vital services for those impacted by abuse never stopped. Almost immediately, YWCA leadership recognized the unique risks posed by the lockdowns. They swiftly adapted, putting in place emergency response planning to combat the rise in isolating situations. Online staff meetings replaced face-to-face gatherings, ensuring continuous communication.

Systems were implemented for immediate call forwarding to advocates working remotely. Safe havens were found to temporarily house survivors needing escape from their dangerous environments. Advocates quickly adapted to reaching out and offering comfort and support. They answer calls, handle emails and work tirelessly, connecting with victims through text messages and secure online channels, offering a lifeline of support.

Crucially, no one seeking help was ever turned away. "We really want to emphasize that our services are still place, available 24/7, the YWCA and won’t be here for them," said Margo Priebe, a Legal Advocacy Specialist with YWCA’s SafeChoice Domestic Violence Program.

Pre-COVID, a YWCA advocate always received a phone call from the hospital whenever a sexual assault survivor sought treatment. The advocate immediately went to the hospital, regardless of the time.

They listened, showed compassion and guided the victim through options available to them.

Now, with fear of the virus rising, fewer survivors are seeking immediate medical care. “We want people to know that hospitals will take every precaution to protect patients from the virus,” Stewart said. By adding, “and that SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners) are still responding to hospitals for forensic exams.”

For those seeking help at the hospital, they are connected with a dedicated advocate who provides crucial support__: confidential services are still available via phone callson

Here are essential services offered confidentially, immediately:

• 24-7 Hotline: This is YWCA’s emergency hotline for those in need of help with domestic violence, sexual assault and related incidents. Call [phone] to connect with an advocate anytime.

• Domestic Violence Walk-in Hours: While the headquarters are temporarily closed, advocates are dedicated to handling calls from domestic violence victims from 9:00 am until noon, Monday through Friday. Call [phone] to connect.

• **

What strategies did the YWCA Clark County implement to⁤ support survivors during the COVID-19 lockdowns?

## A Lifeline During ​Lockdown: An Interview with De Stewart

**Interviewer:** De, thank you for joining us today. Your work with the YWCA Clark County’s‍ Sexual Assault program is so important, especially given the challenges posed by the pandemic.

**De Stewart:** It’s my pleasure to be here. ⁣ As you know, the lockdowns brought unimaginable hardship ‌for many, particularly those experiencing domestic violence and sexual assault.

**Interviewer:** Absolutely. We’ve seen reports about a surge in abuse cases during this time. Can you share ⁣your ‍perspective on what happened?

**De Stewart:** Sadly, the statistics speak ‍for themselves. ‍ We know that 94% of sexual abuse victims know their offender [[interview source]]. COVID-19 trapped many individuals, including children and young adults, with their abusers, removing ⁣access to safe havens and support systems.

**Interviewer:** That’s horrifying. ‍ How did the YWCA adapt to meet these increased needs?

**De Stewart:** We had to act swiftly. ‌Our ‍physical headquarters might have been closed, but our commitment to survivors never wavered. We implemented ​emergency response plans, moved staff meetings online, and ensured immediate call forwarding to advocates working remotely.

**Interviewer:**‍ Those are crucial ⁢steps. What about ⁤those who needed immediate refuge?

**De Stewart:** We worked tirelessly to locate safe havens for survivors needing to escape​ dangerous situations.

**Interviewer:** And what about providing ongoing support to victims who might be feeling isolated and traumatized?

**De Stewart:** We adapted our outreach methods, connecting with victims through calls, emails, text messages, and secure online platforms, offering comfort, advice, and resources.

**Interviewer:** It sounds like the YWCA truly became a lifeline for those in desperate need. Thank ​you, De,⁤ for shedding light on this critical issue and for your tireless dedication to supporting survivors.

**De Stewart:** Thank you for the opportunity to share this‍ important message. Remember, help is always available.

**Interviewer:** For viewers seeking help or wanting⁣ to learn more about the YWCA’s services, please visit our website.