With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
Some Domestic Violence Shelters Are Full, But Hotlines Quiet, During Coronavirus
State order to stay home may put domestic violence victims at risk. (Sydney Sims via Unsplash)
()
The state and Los Angeles County’s “Safer At Home” order is intended to protect residents from the coronavirus. But for domestic violence victims, home may not be safe.
Some L.A. domestic violence shelters say their shelters have been full, but their crisis hotlines are quiet, since the coronavirus pandemic hit.
TRAPPED VICTIMS?
Shelters are usually temporary for victims until they can be placed into more permanent housing — away from their abuser.
Support for LAist comes from
But the coronavirus crisis has slowed down the flow of housing so victims are staying longer at shelters. That means there may not be room for new victims seeking refuge.
At the same time, shelters say fewer people are calling their crisis hotlines — but they don't think that's because domestic violence has decreased.
Elizabeth Sahagun oversees YWCA Glendale’s domestic violence services and emergency shelters. She thinks the decrease in phone calls is because many victims are trapped at home with abusers since the order to stay home went into effect.
“So they are not able to run out for a minute to the store or go for a walk and be able to reach out to us or make a call,” Sahagun said.
MAKE A SAFETY PLAN
Sahagun and other shelters recommend making a safety plan during this public health crisis, which should include a friend or family member who can call for help on your behalf, if needed.
NEED HELP?
- L.A. County's Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 978-3600
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-SAFE (7233); (800) 787-3224 (TTY); www.thehotline.org
- You can find LAPD's list of local DV shelters here.
- You can find domestic violence legal services here.
MORE ON CORONAVIRUS:
- Your No-Panic Guide To Coronavirus In LA So Far
- Tracking The Spread Of COVID-19
- Have A Question? We Will Answer It
Support for LAist comes from
SOME STRAIGHT TALK ABOUT COVID-19
We're all living through this extraordinary and frightening pandemic. The vast majority of our newsroom has been working from home (here's some advice on that) since March 11 to bring you calm, helpful reporting. We are answering your questions and taking more.
We're here to help. And if you can help support that effort financially, we'd be grateful.
DON'T MISS ANY L.A. CORONAVIRUS NEWS
Get our daily newsletter for the latest on COVID-19 and other top local headlines.
Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
Support for LAist comes from
Support our free, independent journalism today. Donate now.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high. -
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress.
Best of LAist