Local women's and children's organizations fear the pandemic will have lasting negative impacts on the Sarnia-Lambton community.
Executive Director of the Sexual Assault Survivors Centre and Women's Interval Home Angie Marks told Sue Storr on CHOK (103.9 FM, 1070 AM) Thursday morning that they've received financial help from the United Way, as well as the provincial and federal governments to help with COVID-19 related costs.
But, her bigger concern is the number of women in isolation with their abusers, unable to leave during the pandemic. Marks said the number and intensity of phone calls to the centre have increased over the last two months.
"When we look at isolation, both for sexual violence and domestic violence, and the additional stressors that would be placed on a healthy relationship, let alone an unhealthy relationship, certainly will increase the abuse," said Marks. " We are anticipating a huge surge of our services when the isolation has been lifted."
Dawn Flegel, the executive director at the Sarnia-Lambton Children's Aid Society, said they're also preparing for an uptick in demand.
"We know from the recession back in 2008-2009 the impact of that on families and the need for services from the Children's Aid Society went up," said Flegel. "I would say this pandemic is even more severe and significant, so we do anticipate increased demand once kids are out and seen and the calls start coming in."
Women and children needing assistance are encouraged to contact the Sexual Assault Survivors Centre at 519-337-3320 or Children's Aid Society at 519-336-0623.
-With files from Sue Storr
