Resources for domestic violence survivors Parenting tips
Risk for abuse is greater during shelter-at-home mandated directives Anita Wadhwani
Experts say that children and adults are at greater risk for abuse during shelter-at-home directives meant to keep people safe from the spread of contagion.
The stresses of confinement, fear, and economic uncertainty can exact a toll on families.
There is help for victims — and for parents trying to manage their own stress.
The Tennessee Parent Helpline (1-800-CHILDREN) is available for parents seeking help managing stress and for caring adults concerned about potential child abuse.
The Tennessee Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-356-6767) is available 24-hours a day for victims seeking counseling or referrals to outside help. Victims in immediate danger should call 911.
Calls to the domestic violence crisis hotline operated by the Nashville YWCA jumped 31% between March 1 and March 30 over the same period last year as the COVID-19 outbreak reached Nashville this month.
The line received 371 calls this month versus 283 in March 2019, according to spokeswoman Michelle Mowery Johnson
Tennessee’s domestic violence shelters — there are 38 across the state — are typically at or near capacity year-round, said Kathy Walsh, executive director of the Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence.
Walsh and other advocates are beginning to reach out to hotels, which are experiencing record lows in bookings, to see if rooms could be designated for domestic violence victims.
Nationally, domestic violence agencies are advocating for Congress to include funds for victims and agencies in COVID-19 emergency legislation.
The YWCA provided this advice for victims of domestic violence:
Reach out to other parents or friends by phone or video chat. Keep in mind there are lots of isolated parents and kids right now, and you are not alone.
Craft a family schedule that will provide a sense of normal. Things as simple as going to bed at the same time and eating breakfast at the same time are helpful to parents and kids alike.
Turn off the news and play a game.
Take a breather, even if it’s just going to a different room or stepping outside for a few minutes of quiet.
Give yourself grace. Now is not the time to stress about being the perfect parent. You might have to be more flexible on things. Practice the type of parenting that works for you in your situation, and don’t feel guilty about it. Source: Prevent Child Abuse Tennessee