(NBC 26) -- Domestic Violence advocates are concerned about many being stuck at home during the pandemic and what that could mean for people living with abusive partners.
Heather Lawler, the co-founder and executive director of TraJa, said she's concerned home isn't safe for everyone. She said being isolated at home can put victims in vulnerable situations. Abusers might be home more and contacting services or a support system might be more difficult.
Lawler and Beth Oswald, the executive director of Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services, explained that we might not know how bad domestic violence is during this time until things are back to normal. Oswald said before the Safer at Home order was in effect, while businesses were beginning to close and people weren't sure what was going to happen, many people were reaching out.
"We had quite a number of people come into shelter and our calls were up considerably. They kind of tapered off which kind of scares us a little bit. Meaning people, we don't think, have the opportunity to reach out to us," added Oswald.
Lawler said she's concerned abuse could be intensifying right now. Oswald added they're seeing violence is more intense and aggressive based on people coming to shelter.
"We're sure just because of the cycle that we've seen that it's happening, and it's happening in high numbers," added Oswald.
However, Lawler and Oswald told NBC 26, many resources are still available for victims trying to escape abusive situations. Both TraJa and Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services are able to help.
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.
- TraJa (920) 450-5455
- Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services (920) 235-5998
- Golden House (920) 432-4244
- Harbor House (920) 832-1666
