Compiled by Michelle Talsma Everson
While many are staying within their homes and sheltering in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, for some, home is the last place they want to be. “Abuse is about power and control. When survivors are forced to stay in the home or in close proximity to their abuser more frequently, an abuser can use any tool to exert control over their victim, including a national health concern such as COVID-19,” according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline. “In a time where companies may be encouraging that their employees work remotely, and the CDC is encouraging social distancing, an abuser may take advantage of an already stressful situation to gain more control.”
And, it’s not just adult victims who suffer. “The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is headquartered here in Arizona, but it’s the child abuse hotline for all of the U.S. and Canada,” shares Savannah Harrelson, a spokesperson for the hotline. “We saw a 31 percent increase in contacts to the hotline this March compared to March 2019, which is a result of the pandemic. We’ve received numerous calls about parental anxiety, concerns about staying at home with an abuser, and resource inquiries—all related to COVID-19.”
Below are some resources for victims of abuse that are available during the coronavirus epidemic. Of course, if it’s an emergency, call 911.
Chrysalis
noabuse.org
24-hour crisis hotline: 602-944-4999
Services include: emergency shelter, transitional housing, counseling, mobile victim advocacy, and more.
Control Alt Delete
dvcontrolaltdelete.org (contact form on website)
An organization that helps remove the immediate barriers keeping people in unsafe, abusive environments. They provide emergency cab rides, hotel accommodations, meals, storage and moving companies.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
thehotline.org/help
1-800-799-7233
For anyone who is experiencing domestic violence, seeking resources or information, or questioning unhealthy aspects of their relationship.
New Life Center
NewLifeCtr.org
24-hour crisis hotline: 623-932-4404
New Life Center is Arizona’s largest domestic violence shelter and serves more than 1,000 children and adults annually through an emergency placement and outreach support program.
Scottsdale Victim Services
ScottsdaleAZ.gov/victim-services
480-312-4226
The Victim Services Department provides legally mandated victim notification services as well as professional level victim advocacy to misdemeanor crime victims in the city of Scottsdale.
The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
childhelphotline.org
Calling or texting: 1-800-422-4453
Professional, degreed counselors offer crisis intervention, information, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service, and support resources.
The Shelter Without Walls domestic violence program at Jewish Family & Children’s Service
JFCSAZ.org/programs-services/domestic-violence-victim-assistance
602-452-4640
Addresses the unmet needs of Maricopa County survivors of domestic violence and their children, female or male, who are residing outside of a shelter setting, and are struggling to attain and/or maintain safety and independence, whether or not still living with their abuser.
