El Paso group offers advice to help domestic violence victims during the pandemic
EL PASO, Texas -- As families are stuck inside during the pandemic, concerns are being raised for those in unsafe homes. Representatives from the local Center Against Sexual and Family Violence (CASFV) said the stress surrounding the pandemic, plus the increased isolation, can make an unsafe situation even more dangerous for victims of domestic abuse.
Added stress can arise from fear over the virus, homeschooling, increased food costs with kids at home and potentially lost income or lost jobs.
Police data shows domestic violence calls have significantly changed this year compared to the same date range in years' past, though concerns for victims remain.
"The longer those individuals stay home, the more stress there is in their home environment," said Sandra Garcia, the executive director of the center. "Those things are just little turning points where individuals can go from being in a situation to it turning dangerous for them."
If you are concerned about someone who might be in an unsafe home environment, you are asked to call CASFV's emergency hotline, which is available 24/7. The number is 915-593-7300.
If you are in an unsafe home, you're urged to call police before calling CASFV. You're also urged to not pack any of your things before police arrive, as the period of attempting to leave the home can be one of the most dangerous.
Garcia says it's important to use this time to "check in" on those you love.
"Call them on FaceTime. Use whatever social media that you can to physically see them, but also just remain in contact with them," Garcia said. "Now more than ever, that individual is going to feel isolated and the assailant is going to use that to their advantage."
