Domestic violence shelters adapt as COVID-19 forces families home
Posted March 18, 2020 12:29 pm.
Last Updated March 18, 2020 8:46 pm.
CALGARY — Women’s shelters are adjusting to ensure they can help anyone experiencing domestic violence as the COVID-19 pandemic forces families to stay home together.
Marlene Ham of the Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses says she doesn’t want women to think self-isolating is more important than their safety.
She says services are still running 24 hours a day and she’s not aware of any shelters in her province closing.
Ham adds some are providing outreach over the phone or online rather than in person.
Jan Reimer of the Alberta Council of Women’s shelters says abusers may use fear of the virus to further cut victims off from friends and family.
She says anyone afraid for her immediate safety or someone else’s should call 911.
Sheltersafe.ca has contact information for services across Canada and there are also crisis lines available.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on March 18, 2020
The Canadian Press
