Victims of domestic violence can tap a full array of protective services, including potentially lifesaving legal protections, even with the coronavirus lockdown, District Attorney Ashley Hornsby Welch said this week.
“For some, staying home is not actually safe,” she said. “These are very dangerous times for people in abusive relationships. I want victims to know there are avenues of escape.”
Welch and local anti-domestic violence advocates fear a looming spike in the number and severity of cases – not just involving spouses or partners, but children and senior citizens, too.
Like Macon, other communities within the 43rd Prosecutorial District that Welch oversees, are also starting to experience an uptick in the number of domestic-violence calls.
REACH of Macon County’s executive director shares Welch’s concerns. Andrea Anderson oversees the Franklin-based nonprofit that provides critical services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
“We have seen an increase in the need for services — particularly at the shelter, and with calls,” Anderson said.
The 10-bedroom safe haven is full, she said, though the nonprofit continues to find ways to house victims, turning no one away.
“Also, people at our shelter are having to stay a little longer because things are not the same,” Anderson said, explaining that some of REACH’s clients have seen their plans for financial independence derailed or delayed as economic fallout rides sidesaddle to the coronavirus threat.
Meanwhile, Welch said, the courts continue to hold emergency hearings and issue restraining orders; law enforcement officers continue to answer calls and arrest abusers; prosecutors continue to shepherd domestic-violence cases through the justice system on victims’ behalf.
Macon County commissioners issued a stay-at-home order May 26. One day later, Gov. Roy Cooper did the same. Residents are allowed to leave home for essential services, conduct essential business or tap government services.
Welch said Macon County leaders, as well as state and national leaders, are taking the steps necessary to curb coronavirus. But, there is a flip side of the coin.
“Stress on households will increase the longer people remain homebound,” Welch said. “There are some individuals who respond to frustrations by drinking. There are those who become aggressive, with emotional abuse escalating into physical abuse.”
Welch said victims could find it difficult to carve out the privacy needed to safely seek help. She urged abuse victims to take precautions when:
• accessing websites about domestic violence
• sending emails or texts
• making or receiving phone calls
For REACH services, advice or just to talk (including anonymously), call 828-369-5544. To make a financial donation to REACH, call 828-369-5544 or email reach@reachofmaconcounty.org,