With isolation, threat of domestic violence increases; New Hope for Women remains vital Maine resource
Mon, 04/13/2020 - 1:30pm
Lynda Clancy
On April 5, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called for the ceasefire of violence everywhere, including domestic violence. As COVID-19 causes, “untold human suffering and economic devastation around the world,” the lockdowns and quarantines can trap women with abusive partners, he said. On April 13, Pope Paul warned against domestic violence during these times, saying, according to a Reuter’s article: “Sometimes they (women) risk being victims of violence in a cohabitation that they bear like a weight that is far too heavy.”
Midcoast Maine, where the nonprofit New Hope for Women provides a lifeline for those in abusive situations, is not alone in fearing that domestic abuse will worsen during a pandemic when everyone sequesters at home.
The release of inmates in order to avoid COVID-19 spreading in jails has raised additional concern.
“New Hope for Women recognizes that these are challenging times for victims who are often cut off from friends and family as part of abuse tactics and now find themselves in forced isolation given current social mandates,” said Joan LeMole, spokesperson for the nonprofit.
While New Hope cannot provide in-person services, its 24/7 helpline is in place round-the-clock, and those who state that it is not safe to call them back are immediately patched through to an advocate.
As an alternative to the phone, New Hope has piloted a chat option that operates from 1 to 5 p.m. on weekdays.
“We find that the nature of the calls has become more concerning and owe this, at least in part, to the fact that jails are releasing inmates early in order to avoid COVID-19 by having fewer people in such close proximity,” said LeMole. “ Still other inmates have had their bail lowered in order to facilitate this release. This can, and has, resulted in abusers being freed. Victims have little if any notice and therefore very little time to prepare. Crisis sheltering is therefore a big need right now.”
New Hope for Women Executive Director Rebekah Paredes is keeping an eye on statewide judicial developments as isolation mechanisms remain in place at least through April.
“We are concerned that incarcerated abusers may be released earlier than expected, as a result of COVID-19,” said Paredes. “Fortunately, we have not seen this in our part of the state but have heard that this may have occurred elsewhere.”
She said that New Hope for Women is working on a local and statewide level to highlight the concerns to the judiciary, as well as the district attorney's offices. She cited a longstanding relationship between Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence and the offices of the D.A.s, statewide.
“These two entities have been working together over the last few weeks to ensure that victim survivors are supported during this very uncertain time,” she said.
“We are encouraging victim survivors, when appropriate, to contact the jails where their abuser is incarcerated to give them their contact information so they may be contacted if and when the abuser is released,” said Paredes. “If they are unable or uncomfortable sharing this information, they are encouraged to contact that facility on a regular basis to confirm the status of the inmate.”
Globally, said U.N. Secretary General Guterres: “Health‑care providers and police are overwhelmed and understaffed. Local support groups are paralysed or short of funds. Some domestic violence shelters are closed; others are full. I urge all Governments to make the prevention and redress of violence against women a key part of their national response plans for COVID-19.
“That means increasing investment in online services and civil society organizations. Making sure judicial systems continue to prosecute abusers. Setting up emergency warning systems in pharmacies and groceries. Declaring shelters as essential services. And creating safe ways for women to seek support, without alerting their abusers.
“Women’s rights and freedoms are essential to strong, resilient societies. Together, we can and must prevent violence everywhere, from war zones to people’s homes, as we work to beat COVID-19.”
