Domestic Abuse and Quarantine
This is a difficult time for all of us.
Our lives have been disrupted, our routines shaken, and our anxiety escalated.
This is a time of emotional trauma and uncertainty for even the strongest of bonds.
Fortunately, many of us are safely sheltering with our families - and while they may be on our nerves a bit more than usual right now, we are safe and have our loved ones to lean on when things feel a bit too scary.
Some one you know may not be so lucky.
Across the world, different levels of Quarantine have left people stranded in their home with an abusive partner.
And - now, more than ever they are feeling hopeless, stuck, and isolated.
With Shelter in Place orders and full on lock down in some places, these vulnerable individuals are living the nightmare of this pandemic amplified by the constant fear they have lived with before this virus was even heard of.
And - as their abusers feel the stress of our changing world, things may be getting a whole lot worse at home.
The intensity and frequency of physical violence with in the home is likely increasing as their abuser feels more and more on edge.
The toxic partner will for sure make this situation all about them, and may be hoarding what limited resources are in the home denying their victim food, medication, personal hygiene supplies and other essential resources.
Abusers often control their victims communication with the outside world, and with the new health and safety guidelines, this has become much easier for them to do.
Verbal, emotional, and psychological abuse is likely intensifying as well while the victim is stuck in their home with their abuser for longer periods of time than usual.
And of course, with medical and emergency services stretched to their limit already, victims of abuse are far more likely to fall through the cracks of an over taxed system.
I know this all sounds hopeless, but there are some things you can do to try to help.
If you or someone you know is in a toxic situation, you can still call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or reach them at their website www.thehotline.org where you can chat live with a representative.
If you haven’t heard from a loved on in a while, and you fear for their safety, ask the police department in their area to do a wellness check. Explain to the Authorities that you are afraid they are being abused. The authorities will know how to handle the situation with care and not make it worse for your loved one.
If you are a family member or friend of someone you know is an abuser, report them. You may save a life by intervening.
If you aren’t sure if the situation constitutes abuse, reach out to your loved one and check on them. If they are a toxic partner, taking their attention away from their victim may give a much needed respite. And if they are being abused, they may be able to signal to you that they need help.
Most importantly, if you are living with an abuser, or know someone who is, remember this quarantine will end at some point, and if you don’t have a plan for getting out of the situation you should start to think about getting out as soon as you are able.
This is an extremely difficult process and you may need help healing all of the emotional damage an abusive relationship causes.
If you’re ready to leave, and need help letting go, or if you have left a toxic relationship and are suffering from the emotional aftermath and need some guidance, reach out to me and I will help you navigate the maze of emotional turmoil you are feeling inside.