“We see a shadow pandemic growing of domestic violence.”
– Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Executive Director of United Nations Women
Mlambo-Ngcuka is highlighting a crisis borne of the global lockdown due to COVID-19. She notes that while isolation is a “protective measure,” it has brought danger to many. NBC News reports that since the pandemic began, domestic violence nationwide has increased by as much as 35%.
Here in Richmond, domestic violence reports are up 11%. With this data in mind, it’s also important to remember that half of domestic violence incidents go unreported. This issue of The Gratitude Report will focus on the resilience and creativity of the Safe Harbor staff in adapting services during this time of crisis.
The team at Safe Harbor has made sure that their essential services have continued uninterrupted, even after the statewide lockdown was mandated.
Using a HIPAA-compliant telehealth system, they continue to provide counseling, offer virtual support groups, shelter those in need, and assist clients with safety planning and case management. They also continue to bring food to clients struggling to feed families. Friends of Safe Harbor should take pride in the continuing work to rebuild the lives of survivors.
But there is another issue. When the lockdown is lifted and life resumes, Safe Harbor anticipates there will be a surge in the need for services. Your support makes it possible for Safe Harbor to be here for survivors now and in the future.
To partner with Safe Harbor today to rebuild lives, please click here.
Gratitude Report 2020
A Call for Masks: Our Community Answered!
When COVID-19 hit, Safe Harbor quickly developed a plan to continue essential services, adapting those services to keep clients and staff as safe as possible. It quickly became apparent that…
Isolated But Not Alone: Safe Harbor’s Sexual and Domestic Violence (SDV) Program Continues
In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, Kim Dailey, SDV Program Manager, had to adapt operations to protect current clients and assist new clients. Safe Harbor quickly realized that the…
Partnering with the Community: Volunteer Training Continues
Safe Harbor has served the greater Richmond community for 20 years, and its strength has been the partnership they’ve forged within the community. Its volunteer program exemplifies the strong bond…
Real Support Through Virtual Counseling: Safe Harbor’s Free Counseling Program Continues
Safe Harbor’s free counseling program has rebuilt the lives of many survivors of sexual and domestic violence and human trafficking. The isolation created by COVID-19 has increased the need for…