Help is available for people experiencing domestic violence and abuse despite restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
That is the message from Carol Metz Murray, the executive director of Tri-City Transitions, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping families dealing with intimate partner violence. She told The Tri-City News a steady stream of files have crossed their desk since the public health crisis began, following a similar trend seen in jurisdictions around the world.
“I’m not surprised that we are seeing an increase,” she said, noting the upheaval the pandemic has caused for many families. “Working from home is one thing. Couple that with maybe someone in the household has also lost their job and not certain their job will be there for them when things flatten out. It is just additional stresses that come with all of that.”
Despite the public health emergency, Tri-City Transitions continues to offer a range of services, she added.
Joy’s Place, an emergency shelter offering safety for adult women and their children escaping abusive situations continues to operate, with staff and residents asked to self-monitor to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. If space is unavailable at the home, Metz Murray said the organization will work to find another transition house in the region.
“They will find a space,” she said.
The organization is also offering a free 30-minute telephone emotional support session.
A person who feels they are in distress or overwhelmed, can “let a bit of air out of the tires” by calling 604-941-7111 Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or 604-492-1700 outside of business hours. The caller will be put in touch with the next available counsellor, who will assist with with practical tools and strategies to help resolve whatever issues the person is facing.
“This is for anybody who is really feeling the pressure right now,” said Metz Murray. “We are reaching out. We are also encouraging people to call us.”
It is hoped that by calling, people can get the help they need before a situation turns abusive, she added.
According to Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers, the number of reports to Vancouver’s Battered Women’s Support Services has increased 300% since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Crime Stoppers is urging people with information about abusive situations to provide anonymous information to police by calling 1-800-222-8477 or going online at solvecrime.ca.
“With no sign yet of the stay-at home orders being lifted, people may know of friends, neighbours, or even relative strangers down the street who may be suffering abuse at the hands of a spouse or a partner,” said Linda Annis, the executive director of Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers. “Many people don’t want to get involved, but an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers may put an end to it, or even save a life.”
So far, the Coquitlam RCMP, which polices Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam, have not seen a rise in domestic violence calls to the detachment.
However, Cpl. Michael McLaughlin said police are aware that other jurisdictions have seen an increase in cases.
“Domestic violence is one of the offences that we are monitoring closely, but so far we have not seen an increase,” he said. “We are aware that more people are at home, and have heard anecdotal reports of increased alcohol consumption, and for us that reinforces the need for Coquitlam RCMP to make sure that people are safe and treating each other appropriately.”
