ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Agencies that help survivors of domestic violence continue to have grave concerns for people who may be at home with an abuser during shelter-in-place orders.
"When a survivor is on what is basically lockdown with their abuser, the survivor's access to help, to resources, really is dramatically reduced," explains Susan Kidder, CEO of Safe Connections, a non-profit dedicated to preventing and ending domestic and sexual violence.
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Kidder says calls to her agency are down. With kids out of school, she says calls to the state child abuse hotline have been cut in half as well.
"So we are very concerned about the fact that we are receiving fewer calls from individuals who are worried about kids, worried about children," Kidder says.
Kidder is asking everyone to be extra vigilant and report anything suspicious in their neighborhood and community.
What if you're in a dangerous situation? One recommendation Kidder offers is to call the Safe Connections helpline at (314) 531-2003 and leave contact information for a trusted friend or family member. Then erase that call information from your phone. Kidder says that trusted individual can then work with Safe Connections to help facilitate a safety plan.
Like many non-profit organizations, Safe Connections has had to adapt to COVID-19 orders. One of the agency's big fundraisers is now a virtual event. Click here for more information on the "Together! Engaging Women | Empowering Girls" event going on now.
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