'The Pandemic On Top Of An Epidemic'

Domestic Violence—Another Global Crisis Intensifying During COVID-19

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, a surge in domestic violence was probably inevitable. Domestic violence increases whenever families spend more time together.

The virus has trapped many abuse victims inside their homes—with their abusers. It has only made it easier for abusers to isolate their victims and try to cut them off from the outside world. Meanwhile, for organizations like Hope House and Rose Brooks, COVID-19 has presented unprecedented challenges as they've continued to operate their shelters (at less than full capacity), use "alternative sheltering" and still provide other services.

"When the pandemic hit, the first message [victims] were getting from their abusers is 'you're on your own because there's no one who can help you now,'" says Rose Brooks' Director of Stewardship & Marketing Scott Mason.

That's just another lie abusers have told those they abuse. All the Kansas City-area shelters have never stopped providing services, despite COVID-19. They're still working together to find those in need shelter, through a shared hotline (816-468-5463).

"We've never gone away," Mason points out. "We've always been here to help. We're here to help right now."

» "We're not only seeing more abuse, but injuries being inflicted that are more severe"

 KC Metro Area Shelter Hotline
 816-468-5463

 Hope House Crisis Hotline
 816-461-4673

 Rose Brooks Crisis Hotline
 816-861-6100

 MOSCA Crisis Hotline
 816-531-0233 • 913-642-0233

 National Domestic Violence Hotline
 1-800-799-7233