Help available to combat intimate partner violence
LABRADOR CITY - Things might look a little different, but resources for victims of intimate partner violence are still available during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a Labrador West shelter and the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC).
The RNC sent out a news release last Friday about some of the initiatives it has available to provide support for victims, such as a cellphone program, a pet safekeeping program and a lock exchange program.
RNC Const. James Cadigan told Saltwire Network that police understand the current situation is advantageous to abusers, and police want to help break down any barriers they can.
“There are many reasons people wouldn’t leave a relationship and we want to ensure the education and awareness is there, that these are some options for people who may need these resources to protect themselves and their families,” Cadigan said.
The initiatives are part of the provincial police force's intimate partner violence unit, which has been operating for about six years.
One of the groups that has partnered with the RNC is
Hope Haven women’s shelter in Labrador City. Nicole Northcott, executive director of the shelter, said while the pandemic has had an impact on the way they do business, they want people to know they are still there to help.
She said it’s challenging, but they have many protocols and procedures that they’re confident will keep everyone safe.
COVID-19 ISOLATION CAUSING CONCERN
They also recognize the isolation procedures many are following could be a problem for people trapped in an abusive home, Northcott said, and they want people to know they are there to help. They have a lot of women come in while their spouse is at work, she said, and those opportunities to leave the home are fewer now.
“It’s harder for people to safely reach out. It’s creating some challenges right now,” she said. “We have gotten a lot of calls from people wondering if we’re open, if we’re still accepting people. We’re here. We’re doing things a little bit different, but we’re here.”
The lock exchange program in partnership with the RNC is only being offered in Labrador West, and Northcott said it came about based on a need that was identified in the region. Both the RNC and Hope Haven are part of the Labrador West Intimate Partner Violence Taskforce, comprised of a number of groups in the area, and Northcott said the idea came from there.
Many times, when an abusive relationship ends and one person leaves a home, there are concerns about who has keys, or damaged doors. This program provides financial resources to help people change locks and doors where needed so their home can be a safe place for them to be, Northcott said.