Impact of COVID-19
Impact of COVID-19 on Those Experiencing Domestic Violence and Child Abuse
Journey Center for Safety and Healing has seen a tremendous impact during the COVID-19 pandemic. While many people are safe in their homes, home is not a safe place for everyone. People experiencing domestic violence and child abuse were now isolated at home with their abuser. This is a dangerous time for them and, as a result, Journey saw a significant increase in need for services. We anticipate this trend to continue.
Journey was deemed an essential service and made the decision to maintain critical services during the COVID-19 crisis. The Shelter must remain open - clients are at high risk right now. Shelter costs have increased; with schools and businesses closed, there are more people in the house all day long, requiring more staff, more food, more activities, educational tools, and more resources.
Our Helpline also remains open 24/7. On average, Journey serves 1,000 children and adults experiencing an abusive relationship each month with crisis support services. In March 2020, we saw a 40% increase in crisis calls to our Helpline. We are glad survivors are reaching out but we know that there are many people who cannot reach out because they are being monitored by their abuser. Before COVID-19, 88% of our Helpline calls came during the day when people are typically at work and away from their abuser. Now those calls are coming in hushed tones in the middle of the night while an abuser is asleep.
It is also important that our Advocates and Therapists are available to help people during this time. They are working with survivors through remote technology, but also in person when necessary. Requests for support from current and former clients have increased 80%. Children are vulnerable because they no longer have the respite of school nor teachers to notice signs of abuse. Children may be witnessing domestic violence or being abused themselves.
Survivors are saying that the abuse is getting more severe. Being isolated with their abuser is having a terrible effect on physical safety and emotional well-being. People who used to plan their escape ahead of time are now leaving in a hurry with no plan and nowhere to go.
Donations help us adapt program delivery to meet the increased demand for services and also assist with new, unbudgeted costs including: safe housing alternatives for victims that may need to be diverted or isolated, food and transportation for victims and families, technology for behavioral tele-health and remote work, more food and food prep for shelter, personnel costs for additional staff and overtime in critical service delivery areas, increased cleaning and supplies, replenishment of items that are typically re-used, increased basic needs for those most vulnerable, and more.
We were already facing steep funding cuts from the United Way and government grants. It is critical that we maintain as much capacity as possible so we can continue to serve as many victims of domestic violence and child abuse as possible across Cuyahoga County. Sadly, we won’t know the full impact of this crisis for months to come but Journey will continue to be there for people experiencing abuse.
With the number of COVID-19 cases rising, Journey Center for Safety and Healing is concerned about rising numbers of domestic violence and is receiving less funding.
The number of COVID-19 cases are rising and there is a possibility of another stay-at-home order to mitigate the spread. Domestic violence survivor advocates like Journey Center for Safety and Healing and the Battered Women’s Shelter in Medina are worried about a rise in domestic violence cases.
There is a lot of tension in homes right now. With the lingering uncertainty of COVID-19, financial insecurities and isolation, advocates are very concerned. They are working overtime to get the word out about safety and resources for victims and survivors to use.While advocates distribute billboards and signs to pharmacies, grocery stores, and doctors’ offices, one crucial element is in jeopardy––funding.
With less funding, advocates say this is a difficult time, especially with the upcoming holidays’ stress. They say to reach out now before the pressure gets too high with holiday preparations.
Shelters like Journey Center for Safety and Healing and the Battered Women’s Shelter do everything they can to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks. If a victim tests positive for the virus, they can help shelter them in a safe space.
Journey Center Receives Funding Cuts
Journey Center for Safety and Healing relies entirely on private and government funding. We do not charge for services.
In Fiscal Year 2020, the federal government reduced funding to the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), impacting local organizations and resulting in a $142,000 reduction in funding to Journey’s Emergency Shelter, Trauma Therapy, Justice System Advocacy and Canopy programs. In Fiscal Year 2021, we are suffering even deeper cuts: $840,000 total cuts from United Way of Greater Cleveland and VOCA combined (our largest private and public funders, respectively). These cuts directly impact the number of clients Journey can serve. It is critical that we maintain as much capacity as possible so we can continue to serve as many victims of domestic violence and child abuse as possible across Cuyahoga County.