(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Suburban Congresswoman Lauren Underwood held a Facebook town hall Tuesday to try to get the word out about resources for victims of domestic violence — resources that are limited because of COVID-19.
The pandemic has brought on stressful times and close quarters for those sheltering in place. Underwood says reports of domestic violence in her district are up.
"I do a lot of outreach with mayors in our communities and one told me that the police department had received 40 percent more calls related to domestic violence in the month of March, and they haven't seen April data yet," she said.
"So, this is not something that's hypothetical. There are a lot of people who are going through extremely difficult violent circumstances right now that do need help."
Underwood's guest: Michelle Meyer, executive director of two west suburban organizations, Mutual Ground and Breaking Free. Both are aimed at helping victims of domestic violence and those with drug and alcohol addictions.
Both organizations have limited their services because of the pandemic.
Mutual Ground's services, except its crisis hotline and emergency shelter, are suspended through the end of May.
Breaking Free's services have also been suspended, but its website says limited services are available through telehealth for current clients.
