New technology proves useful for YWCA domestic advocates amidst COVID-19

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — Within the final two months, the YWCA’s Resolve Household Abuse Program has seen a lower within the variety of calls to their home violence disaster hotline. Often, that might be nice, however in a world the place folks at the moment are being inspired to remain dwelling, presumably with their abusers, the consequence may very well be harmful.

Early last month, they launched an online version of their hotline. This one may be accessed through a pc or cellphone. As a substitute of calling the hotline, you possibly can on-line chat with a home violence advocate in your pc or cellphone.

Julie Haden, the manager director of the Resolve Household Abuse Program says it has been a useful software since their total hotline name numbers have decreased.

“It’s been how we’ve obtained and pulled folks in for about half of their intakes on the shelter within the final 6-Eight weeks,” Haden defined.

In response to Haden, the shelter numbers have stayed roughly the identical. However total, the variety of folks they’ve served is down dramatically from this time final 12 months. Haden says it is because many individuals imagine they will’t receive a home violence petition as a result of the courts are closed because of COVID-19.

“It’s these folks at courtroom who don’t usually, wouldn’t name the police however they wish to cope with a home violence petition on their very own via the courtroom,” she says. “It’s these people who we’re lacking and we all know it.”

However that’s not the case, home violence petitions and restraining orders are thought of an “emergency” and may be obtained via assist with the YWCA’s advocates. Folks in want can name the hotline or use the app. Whereas its technically a “disaster” hotline, it can be used to acquire info.

“We received’t hold monitor of you, we received’t hold your identify or your quantity, we simply wish to assist,” Haden says.

The YWCA supplies companies for your complete household in Kanawha, Clay and Boone counties. The quantity for the 24 hour home disaster hotline is 304-340-3549.

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