The social distancing and stay-at-home measures that are designed to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus can force victims and survivors to spend more time in close proximity to their abusers. This situation increases the risk to the victim’s safety and well-being during an already high stress time where they are trying to stay physically healthy by staying at home.
The closure of schools and childcare facilities also forces children to stay in homes where they may face neglect and abuse with limited resources to help.
The National Domestic Abuse Hotline is available 24/7 to provide resources in both English and Spanish to support those facing abuse in their homes.
Those who feel unsafe or are facing physical abuse from a partner or family member can call 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-799-7233 for TTY, or if you’re unable to speak safely, you can log onto thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522.
If you suspect a child is in an unsafe situation or is being abused, you can contact the PA ChildLine 24 hours a day to make a report. The toll-free hotline, 1-800-932-0313, and mandated child abuse reports can also make a report electronically.
If you ever feel that you or someone else in immediate danger, call 911.
