December 2, 2020

Domestic Violence Awareness

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Friends and Neighbors,

Back in October, I posted on Facebook regarding the effects that COVID-19 is having on those who suffer from depression and other mental health disorders. The numbers according to the American Medical Association were staggering with more than 40 states seeing an increase in opioid-related deaths with relapse and overdose rates increasing to 30%.

Today, the Lieutenant Governor noted that since March, domestic violence calls are up more than 70%, and shelters are at 151%, which is well over their intended capacity. This is more evidence that the fallout from this pandemic with associated shut downs, are having a reaching and lasting effect on people across the country. In times like these, education is key and people need to be aware that the impacts of this virus is much more than just spending some extra time at home.

Help is available, I encourage you to take advantage of these resources that are out there if needed.

State & Local Resources

United Services, INC (860-774-2020) provides the only domestic violence shelters and services in Northeastern Connecticut.

United Way’s 2-1-1 service is a free, confidential information and referral service that connects people to essential health and human services 24 hours a day, seven days a week online and over the phone.

Connecticut’s statewide domestic violence hotline – 1-888-774-2900 (English), 1-844-831-9200 (Spanish) – has programs that provide shelter for victims of domestic violence, as well as counseling and other supportive services. Shelter is usually limited to female victims and their children; however, male victims are offered other support services and assistance in locating a safe place to stay.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233), provides domestic violence crisis intervention and referrals to domestic violence service providers throughout the United States.

The Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) is the state’s leading voice for victims of domestic violence and those organizations that serve them.

Safe Futures CT saves lives, restores hope and changes the future for those impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and trafficking in southeastern Connecticut.

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