A victim of domestic violence faces many challenges, however, during these times with COVID-19, they are faced with even more barriers. Those who are living at home with their abuser during these times during the “stay at home, stay safe” order is not a safe option. For them, they are literally staying at home and trying to survive. As we expected, calls are beginning to surge, as we knew there would be a spike in requests for services. For the first couple of weeks into the stay at home order, calls were normal, and in fact, down. However, the last couple of weeks, they are beginning to significantly increase. For victims of domestic violence, their abusers take this opportunity to inflict their power and control even more so, due to the pandemic, especially for those victims who may have recently left their abusive relationship just prior to the stay at home order, and now the abuser is contacting them and making empty promises that they have changed, begging
Dove is an organization that engages religious institutions, volunteers, and advocates seeking to coordinate efforts to address unmet needs and social injustices. These needs are met through coordinated programs focusing on domestic violence, homelessness, education, volunteer and community empowerment, and individual emergency need fulfillment. Dove works for justice, equality, and understanding among all people.