Press Release  MPS Victim Services Unit develops new approaches to helping domestic violence victims during pandemic

Boston — While the impact of COVID-19 has been a time of uncertainty, it is especially difficult for victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse, many of whom have been in quarantine with their abusive partners, according to Corinn Nelson, Statewide Manager of Probation’s Victim Services Unit. 

Domestic violence during the pandemic has been an issue highlighted by state and local leaders. During recent press briefings on the pandemic, both Lt. Governor Karyn Polito and Boston Mayor Martin Walsh spoke about domestic violence and encouraged victims to call SafeLink, the statewide, 24/7, toll free, confidential domestic violence hotline at (877) 785-2020.  SafeLink was recently expanded to provide services to victims of sexual assault.  The hotline can also be accessed via 2-1-1.  The purpose of SafeLink is to provide crisis intervention for those who need assistance with safety planning for themselves and their families.

Probation’s Victim Services Unit is one of the state agencies working with victims and survivors. The pandemic has made life more challenging for victims and changed the “landscape” of how VSU and other victim service agencies are helping victims and survivors. Nelson said agencies are becoming creative in their approach to communicating with victims as well as creating safety plans.

“They are facing increased isolation. They don't have the same ability to see their friends, families and co-workers. They may be at home with their abusive partners and experiencing physical violence, sexual violence, and/or psychological abuse,” said Nelson. “Home is not always the safe place to be.  Controlling behavior may escalate - an abusive partner may control their partners movements, money or access to food or technology.  Some abusive partners may stop their partners from accessing proper health care or medications."

Nelson said the VSU and those who help victims are looking at new ways to support victims.

“We have to be creative about reaching out and providing services. During COVID-19, we may not be able to physically see someone due to the stay at home orders and court closures. We are mindful about how we reach out, how and if messages are left, whether the phone is the best mode of contact, if email is preferred.  A safety plan may have to be changed because they (victim) can’t go to their friend’s house or their mother’s house because she may be elderly and susceptible to the coronavirus,” she said.

Nelson advises Probation Officers be aware of signs of abuse among victims and probationers.  She suggests that they "leave the doors open for communication, and seek supports from the VSU and community agencies." Nelson cautions that victims are feeling isolated and overwhelmed.

“If you are a victim or survivor, the pandemic may bring up a lot. It is a stressful period of time and understand that survivors may have a strong reaction when coupled with their trauma histories.,” she said. 

Nelson thanked Chief Probation Officers and Probation Officers for their support and work involving the SJC decision which may allow inmates to be released from jail to help mitigate the spread of the coronavirus in the state’s prisons.

“It is overwhelming and frightening for victims to be notified their offenders are being released from jail during this time. It's a shock to them.  It is hard and we will have to help them through it,” she said.

Nelson said it is important to remember that domestic violence and sexual assault affects everyone and that our Probation employees may also need help.

“We often talk about victims that are connected to probationers.  We have to remember that our employees may be experiencing abuse as well.  No matter who is experiencing violence in the home, they need to know that we care and there are support services available to them,” she said.

SafeLink - MA Statewide Toll-Free Domestic Violence Hotline
SafeLink is Massachusetts’ statewide 24/7 toll-free domestic violence hotline and a resource for anyone affected by domestic or sexual violence.  Translation can be provided in 130 languages.  

877-785-2020 
TTY number at (877) 521-2601
 

EAP - Phone: 24/7 dedicated line at (844) 263-1982 
 

Jane Doe Inc.
Resource page for agencies in Massachusetts: https://janedoe.org/covid19/

Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA)
AskMova.Org is a free online resource for victims and their families, includes resources for across Massachusetts for all types of crime: www.mass.gov/orgs/askmova
 

The National Resource Center for Reaching Victims
The National Resource Center for Reaching Victims is hosting a series of webinars on sustaining services for survivors during the COVID-19 circumstances. 

Website: http://reachingvictims.org/events/

National Network to End Domestic Violence
View an extensive list of resources on the response to COVID-19:  https://nnedv.org/latest_update/resources-response-coronavirus-covid-19/

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