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By: Savannah Tipton Survivors are facing increased risks due to the pandemic and needs are on the rise. We need financial contributions now more than ever. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, “COVID-19 has caused major economic devastation, disconnected many from community resources and support systems, and created widespread uncertainty and panic. Such conditions may stimulate violence in families where it didn’t exist before and worsen situations in homes where mistreatment and violence has been a problem.” We are seeing more people face financial hardships, housing insecurity, and challenges with their mental health. Victim Advocates connect survivors and their families to life-saving services in a variety of ways. Every day, advocates are working with victims on safety planning, protective order filing, victim rights education, housing searches, employment readiness, and so much more. Anyone can be impacted by domestic violence or sexual assault. It’s important we show survivors that they are not alone in their journey to healing and self-sufficiency. Whether a trauma occurred in the last week or years ago, survivors reach out to us for help finding resources and support. We also must acknowledge that COVID-19 has left many victims trapped in homes with their abusers. “And as the pandemic has dragged on, so too has the abuse. Just as the disease continues to claim more lives, quarantine-linked domestic violence is claiming more victims—and not just women in heterosexual relationships. Intimate partner violence occurs in same-sex couples at rates equal to or even higher than the rates in opposite sex partners (1).” Limited interactions with the outside world can make victims feel trapped in a vicious cycle of abuse. Free resources and confidential support are available. We want victims to know there is a safe way out. Victims of sexual assault are also at a heightened risk. According to RAINN, 8 out of 10 rapes are committed by someone known to the victim (2). This means sexual assault victims might be forced to see their rapist regularly. That alone might make them fearful of reporting the crime or seeking help. Victim Advocates are available to listen, offer support, and answer questions. They can also provide victims accompaniment to hospitals, courts, and law enforcement interviews. If you have ever considered giving, now is the time to act. Survivors need the community to come together. Your donations provide victims with essential items when they flee, emergency transportation to shelter, help relocating or maintaining safe housing after abuse, and other emergency needs. Your donation will have positive impact on people in your community. Speak with a victim advocate by calling our confidential crisis line at (317) 731-6140. You can also reach us through social media messaging or our contact us page. If you are in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1. Comments are closed.
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