Support services and enforcement agencies are working to deliver help to victims of domestic violence during COVID-19. (iStock/File Photo)

By Alex Rawnsley

CHALLENGING TIMES

Domestic violence support services presented with difficult challenge during COVID-19 pandemic

Apr 20, 2020 | 11:47 AM

NANAIMO — Concern has grown over a likely rise in domestic violence cases due to social distancing and provincial health officers encouraging people to stay at home.

For many, especially women and children, home is not a safe space due to an abusive partner or family member. It’s forced support services like the Haven Society to shift their strategy.

While doors remain open and front-line services operational, Toni Wheeler, society executive director told NanaimoNewsNOW their in-school programming is a key priority right now.

In-person schooling has been largely shut down since mid-March when classes went on spring break.

“It’s particularly worrisome for us that children no longer have the safe space of the classroom,” Wheeler said. “We’re no longer able to conventionally offer our violence is preventable program in schools.”

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The society has been creating and delivering videos to teachers to include in their virtual classrooms.

A key piece to the Haven Society is their 24/7 crisis line, which has seen an increase in call volume during the health emergency.

However, Wheeler said their services will likely be tested further as the pandemic ends.

“I suspect we’ll see calls increase too when the government allows us to open up a little bit in terms of our physical distancing from one another when women and children are safe to be able to make those calls.”

In the meantime, the society has planned extensively to deal with a wide variety of situations including dealing with the potential scenario of a staff member or client diagnosed with COVID-19.

Nanaimo RCMP along with Haven Society and other stakeholders form the Nanaimo Domestic Violence Unit (DVU), one of 13 units of its kind across B.C.

Cst. Sherri Wade said in a release by Nanaimo RCMP the unit aims to shed light on domestic violence and work with victims.

She said of particular concern is long-term partner violence which can be amplified by isolation.

“Intimate partner violence flourishes in an atmosphere of secrecy and shame,” Wade said. “The role of the DVU is to wrap a family with all the resources at our disposal to reduce the harm and to eliminate their shame and pain.”

A wide range of resources are available for victims of domestic violence in Nanaimo:

• Haven Society’s crisis line 24/7:1-888-756-0616.
• Vancouver Island Crisis Line: 1 888-494-3888 or text 250-800-3806
• Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Friendship Centre: 250-753-6578
• Justice Access Centre: 250-741-5447
• The Men’s Centre: 250-716-1551
• Nanaimo Women’s Centre: 250-753-0633
• Cedar Women’s House: 250-591-5580
• Kw’umut Lelum Child and Family Services: 250-591-0933
• Nanaimo Family Life: 250-754-3331

alex.rawnsley@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alexrawnsley