‘Home is not safe for everybody’ — Help for domestic violence survivors during pandemic
The past couple of weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic were “eerily quiet” for the staff of the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center, director Craig Roberts said.
Now, things are getting busier for the facility, which offers help and support to people experiencing domestic violence in Pierce County. Much of that work is being done remotely during the pandemic.
The uptick might be an indication, Roberts said, that “’Stay home, Stay Safe’ actually isn’t very safe” for some.
He said Thursday that the center has been getting more phone calls from people in need.
“We’re even getting a lot of calls from professionals,” he said. “... Frankly, people are surprised that they’re getting calls back. That’s telling me that it’s getting tough to get help out there.”
Counselors, medical providers, attorneys and others are calling with concerns that a client might be experiencing domestic violence.
The center had 8,662 calls to its helpline and 2,551 in-person visits last year. It’s been doing that work remotely since March 17.
“It’s been like a fire drill around here,” Roberts said. “... Right now, we’re just trying to find new and innovative ways to reach out to people,” and to have those people reach back out safely.
YWCA Pierce County CEO Miriam Barnett said increased stress on families is going to exacerbate domestic violence situations, including child abuse, during the pandemic.
Meanwhile, the YWCA has also had to figure out how to run most of its operations remotely.
It usually has dozens of people in the building. Now many times Barnett’s the one answering the phone. Almost everyone else is working from home.
“Things just seem to be changing so quickly right now from day to day,” she said. “... We have stayed one step ahead of the curve, but it’s been exhausting and expensive.”
Their shelter is still operating, and is full, as always.
Communal spaces such as the laundry room and food bank are being limited to one person at a time, with extra sanitizing by staff.
The YWCA’s support groups and its therapeutic children’s program have had to be put on hold, Barnett said.
She also said a 55-unit housing project for families that they’re building might be delayed.
Low-income housing projects can continue construction, but she said the supply chain is being affected. They might need concrete, for example, but without enough demand the concrete company might not be able to stay in business.
Barnett said what the YWCA might need most at the moment from those who want to help is $25 gift cards to Walmart, Safeway, Target and Fred Meyer. They’ve been sending those to people in need who can’t visit the YWCA to pick up supplies.
Diapers, baby wipes, toilet paper and other hygiene items and disinfectant products are also things the organization needs, she said.
They had to cancel one of their big fundraisers.
“It’s a perfect, horrible storm right now for families that don’t have resources,” Barnett said. “Home is not safe for everybody. I just really want people to realize that.”
Where to get help
In an emergency, call 911. Anyone experiencing domestic violence or who wants to help someone else can:
- Call the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center helpline at (253) 798-4166 or email the center through its website, aplaceofhelp.com.
- Call the YWCA’s 24/7 hotline at 253-383-2593. It also has a legal services line available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 253-365-6352.
This story was originally published March 29, 2020 at 7:01 AM.
