Kristy Trautmann: Help victims of domestic violence
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Across the country and around the world, rates of domestic violence have soared during the coronavirus crisis. People who abuse are taking advantage of social distancing to isolate victims from their friends and family. Over the past month, domestic violence calls to the Pittsburgh Police have increased by 20% to 30%.
Stress doesn’t cause abuse. But for people who already control and degrade their partners, the added strain of unemployment, school closures and concerns about food running out can lead to escalating violence. With no one to witness the scars and bruises, their violence can escalate unchecked, without worrying that someone will see or intervene.
If an abusive partner is always present, listening in on phone calls and reading texts and emails, it can be hard for a victim to reach out for help. That’s where friends, family, neighbors and co-workers come into play. Even if you think that you don’t know someone who is at risk, there may be people in your life who are in danger. As many as one in four women and one in nine men experience violence by a partner at some point in their lives.
There are three things you can do today to make a difference.
First, if you are feeling unsafe or are experiencing violence, take a walk and call for help. Domestic violence programs are open and answering the phones 24 hours a day. These calls are free of charge and confidential, and can be anonymous. Trained counselors are on call to listen, offer support and help with safety planning. Some people save the helpline number on their phones under a fake name to avoid detection. Safe housing options are available, even for people who are immunocompromised and worried about exposure to covid-19.
Second, post information about domestic violence hotlines on your social media, so your network can see it without consulting Google. Raising awareness about the availability of these hotlines is a crucial factor in getting help to the people who need it most.
Last, check in on your people, especially those you haven’t heard from in a while. Ask them how they are doing. If the conversation leaves you feeling concerned, call a domestic violence hotline and explore options about what you can safely do to help, without putting yourself in danger or making things worse for your friend. The Blackburn Center and other domestic violence programs in Southwestern Pennsylvania make their hotlines available to everyone, including those who are worried about a loved one.
This is a challenging time for all of us, particularly for those who are trapped at home with an abusive partner. The network of domestic violence programs across our region is here to help — 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Resources
Westmoreland County: Blackburn Center, 888-832-2272
Allegheny County: Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, 412-687-8005
A complete list of domestic violence resources in southwestern Pennsylvania is available at www.southwestpasaysnomore.org/help/.
If you can’t safely make a phone call, chat and text options are available.
Text LOVEIS to 22522 or log on to National Domestic Violence Hotline (www.thehotline.org) to chat from your computer.
Kristy Trautmann is executive director of the Pittsburgh-based FISA Foundation.