I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what quarantine must be like for other people other than myself. We know a lot of people are just bored, finding fun things to do at home with their families and trying to keep busy until things return to a more normal setting. When you think about it though, not everyone is feeling this way. Not everyone’s biggest worry is what will they do when they are bored out of their minds.
Victims of domestic violence are likely terrified right now. If their partner/spouse is not able to go to work and they are with them all day, they may not know what is going to happen. This can be absolutely terrifying.
According to the CDC, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience physical violence by their intimate partner at some point during their lifetimes. About 1 in 3 women and nearly 1 in 6 men experience some form of sexual violence during their lifetimes. Intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and stalking are high, with intimate partner violence occurring in over 10 million people each year. More statistics and facts can be found at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499891/
Children who are not in safe households are also in danger during this time. They aren’t going to school or daycare and their parents or guardians are home all day. This is a scary realization.
I advise each and every person to reach out to their friends and family every day and to check on them. This will pass, and we will return to a more normal life but that does not minimize the amount of fear that some people will be experiencing during this quarantined time.
If you are in danger, please visit the National Domestic Violence site. If you are worried about your computer history being seen somehow just call their number at 1800-799-7233. Or text LOVEIS to 22522. The hotline is determined to be there for you and help you find solutions during this time.
Please, reach out to trusted friends or family if you feel this quarantine is going to result badly for you. If it would be safer and you have a healthy family member, try to stay with them. I know this is not an easy feat because if it was, nobody would be stuck in these situations.
Let’s, as a community, do our best to notice the signs and be there for the people in need. Not just during this time, but always. Abuse is no joke, and not always easy to escape. We need to be able to rely on trusted individuals to help overcome it.
As we are all trying to keep our heads high and just get through this virus one day at a time, as we are watching every possible Netflix series and posting funny memes, don’t forget that there are people who are not able to “enjoy” this time like some are.
Please utilize the hotline and or website/text number and stay safe out there everybody.