An organization that helps victims of domestic violence in Central Indiana says it’s seeing an increase in calls for help since the state has been under a stay at home order, because of COVID-19.
Indianapolis based Beacon of Hope Crisis Center says it’s helping domestic violence victims file protective orders and victim statements, which can still be done online even though most operations within the court system are shut down.
The agency deals with intimate partner and family domestic violence incidents around Indiana. Most of its victim referrals come from law enforcement.
“And that’s down because they’re not reaching out to law enforcement,” says Beacon Executive Director Sandra Ziebold.
Volunteers are now doing telework and telehealth advocacy since the pandemic began.
“I do see a trend in more severe situations, you can see in the data, from the attempts to call and then drop,” Ziebold says.
Ziebold says in just the past week domestic violence related murder suicides have increased 100 percent nationwide, compared to the average week in the U.S.
“Domestic violence is about power and control,” Ziebold says.
Beacon of Hope can refer victims to shelters all around the state. Ziebold says her agency is working with the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic violence to assess how many shelters are open during the pandemic.
Ziebold says right now when shelters aren’t an option, victims can be offered emergency overnight safe stays and temporary housing options until shelter space becomes available.
