LAC LA BICHE - What if the place where health officials are urging you to stay for your own safety is the one place you aren't safe?
Stay-at-home orders issued by officials around the world to stem the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic are increasing the chances of trouble in households where domestic relationships are already an issue.
Melissa Green, the executive director at Lac La Biche's Hope Haven Women's Shelter says the Coronavirus pandemic has taken away some opportunities for people looking for ways out of domestic abuse situations. Shelter staff, however are doing what they can to maintain avenues of support and contact.
"If you are forced to be isolating at home, it is harder to connect with a shelter if you need assistance. It's hard for people to find that opportunity to reach out for contact if their partner is also at home and not going to work," said Green, adding that the local shelter is not currently at full capacity, but there has been an increase in clients in recent months. "We are here. We are open."
For people who may no longer have a significant window of opportunity to call or search information about the shelter and its programs, Green says shelter officials are increasing the visibility of the office cell phone for quick text messages.
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"We are really putting out the shelter's cell phone number . . . to help connect in a different way," said Green, adding that the local facility is open for all clients, including those who may have symptoms of COVID-19.
"We do have arrangements available if someone does have COVID symptoms," she said, explaining that staff and current clients inside the Hope Haven buildings are very mindful of social distancing and proper hygiene health protocols. Staff are also mindful that clients at shelter have had previous stresses and trauma, so every possible precaution is in place to keep life as routine as possible — in a very challenging time. "We are doing everything we possibly can for our clients."
As people isolate for longer periods — especially with so many unknowns about the pandemic — Green acknowledges that stress levels can rise. For homes already at risk for domestic issues, those stresses can be magnified. In some of those relationships, the isolation can also be used as a controlling tactic by an abuser or potential abuser.
The ability to quickly use a text connection can help those who are feeling threatened make the first step.
"The main way that people come to us has been by actually coming here or phoning. But when people are all staying at home, those opportunities may not present themselves," Green said. "It can be much simpler to send off a quick text."
Green is quick to point out that the connection to the shelter is not only for those who are being threatened, it is also an avenue for anyone feeling they may need help with their emotions.
"We are still providing outreach programming services," she said, explaining that while access to the shelter is restricted due to the pandemic, staff are in contact with program participants from a number of their service offerings.
Just to talk
Green also points out that the shelter's crisis line, 780-623-3100, is also available as an information resource - for anyone.
"The crisis line isn't just for abused women," she said. "It's a general line to connect with outreach workers and assistance for men or women needing some help ... or just someone to talk to. I think in times like these, being isolated and with limited contact - everyone needs someone to talk to."
Another need at Hope Haven, as well as the shelters in St. Paul and Cold Lake, is financial support. The COVID crisis has taken away several avenues of local fundraising for the shelters like casinos, bingos and upcoming fundraising golf tournaments. Precautions associated with the virus have also stopped the donation of clothing to families using the shelter services.
"Money?" Green said, almost apologizing for the obvious one-word answer when asked what the shelters can use. "That's the easiest way right now for us."
As the pandemic continues and more restrictions could be placed on community members, Green hopes people in need will reach out to the shelters in their region if they need help. She also encourages community members to reach out to each other.
"Check in on people, on neighbours that you know. Make calls to your friends and family, just to make sure they are doing OK."
