GREEN BAY, Wis. (NBC 26) -- Domestic violence advocates say not all people are safer at home right now.
Tonya Dedering, the executive director of Golden House, said isolation right now can be very scary for victims of domestic violence and their families. She explained that it can be very stressful to be home all day in a potentially abusive or already abusive relationship.
"Add financial concerns and insecurity to that, which many of our clients have, and it becomes very challenging for families in times of high stress," said Dedering.
Dedering said, at this point, she can't confidently say if there's been an increase in domestic violence due to the pandemic. She said they've had people calling for help but not necessarily an increase in intakes, which she believes could be because it's more difficult for victims to get away right now. Dedering said the numbers of clients they served in March were similar to those in February. She said so far, April's numbers look similar, too.
NBC 26 also talked with the Green Bay Police Department. Commander Kevin Warych said they haven't seen much of a change in calls regarding domestic violence during the pandemic.
"Statistically, it's very minimal if there is increase based on the numbers we provide, but our message always to the community will be: resources are always available for victims or any potential victims," said Commander Warych. "If anybody's in need, the Golden House is always willing to help. The police department will always respond. We just want to make sure that people in the community know that just because the Safer at Home order is in place, we still have the services available to help them, and they should be not living in fear."
As for intakes, meaning people seeking emergency shelter, Dedering said those numbers are lighter for April which she explained is concerning as they believe there will be a surge once the Safer at Home order is lifted.
"We believe the surge is going to be there because individuals may not be able to get away because they're at home right now. They're stuck at home. They may not be able to get help that they need because they're at home with their abuser or perhaps just not in a private situation where they can get help."
Golden House is still open and able to help people. Dedering said they've been using this time to do a lot of training and are prepared for a surge.
Commander Warych stressed that protocol for Green Bay Police has not changed because of the pandemic. He said officers will always respond to domestic violence incidents in person.
Here are some local numbers to call if you or someone you know is trying to get out of an abusive relationship. To visit the organization's website, click on the organization.
- Golden House (920) 432-4244
- TraJa (920) 450-5455
- Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services (920) 235-5998
- Harbor House (920) 832-1666
- Safe Haven (715) 526-3421
- Rainbow House (715) 735-6656
- In Courage 920-684-5770
