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Apr 10

When Home is Not Safe

Posted on April 10, 2020 at 11:42 AM by MaryFrances Forcier

The Domestic Abuse Response Team is Here to Help

Avoiding public spaces and working remotely can help reduce the spread of COVID-19, but for many survivors, staying home may not be the safest option. People who are surviving violence in their relationships and families may be experiencing increased isolation and danger caused by social distancing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  
Loudoun County domestic and sexual violence service providers want you to know:

  • The Domestic Abuse Response Team is still at work to protect survivors.
  • Everyone deserves to feel safe in their homes and live a life free of violence.
The DART team includes advocates, service providers, law enforcement, and legal professionals, who mobilize to support survivors’ needs. View the team's video message.



To get help in Loudoun County: 

  • Call or text 9-1-1 if anyone is in immediate danger.
  • Call Loudoun County’s Domestic and Sexual Violence hotline 24 hours a day, every day: 703-777-6552.
  • Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233 or TTY 1−800−787−3224. If you’re unable to speak safely, you can log onto thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522.
  • Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) at 800.656.HOPE (4673). Survivors can call RAINN or chat on the website. It’s free and confidential.

 Make a Plan 

  • A safety plan is a personalized, practical plan that includes ways to remain safe and that can help a survivor avoid dangerous situations.
  • This plan includes ways to remain safe while in the relationship, planning to leave, or after leaving. Safety planning includes how to cope with emotions, tell friends and family about the abuse, take legal action, and more.
  • Although parts of a safety plan may seem obvious, it’s important to remember that in moments of crisis a person’s brain doesn’t function the same was as when they are calm. Having a safety plan laid out in advance can help a survivor protect themselves in stressful moments.
  • Safety planning looks different for everyone. A safety plan should be tailored to a person’s specific situation. For help with safety planning, call the LAWS Hotline and speak to an advocate: 703-777-6552.

What You Can Do to Help Others 
  • We can all play a role in preventing domestic violence. If you’re concerned about a friend or family member, it’s more important than ever to check in with them.
  • Encourage people who are experiencing abuse to make a safety plan, call for help and guidance and let them know that the abuse is not their fault.
  • Let them know you are there to listen, help and support them without judgement.

Stay Informed About COVID-19
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