With pandemic restrictions starting to ease, the Chatham-Kent Women's Centre is hearing from far more women about intimate partner violence.
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in dangerous living situations for some women, making it difficult for those seeking help against violence. Chatham-Kent Women’s Centre Executive Director Karen Hunter said, the early stages of the pandemic were quiet and the shelter was not receiving many calls or requests for support.
"As the first wave of the pandemic started to loosen up, we started to hear from far more women and children about their situations," said Hunter. "As each wave has eased up, we have seen more women and children requesting assistance."
The women's centre typically received approximately 1,700 crisis and support calls per year. However, Hunter said that has dramatically increased over the past couple of months.
"It is difficult to pinpoint our stats because it's been a difficult year and it doesn't follow the trends," said Hunter. "What we do know, is that some of the situations people continue to be in are absolutely horrendous."
With the centre experiencing an influx of calls, Hunter said the centre is struggling to find enough staff members. She said because of the pandemic, the centre has lost some of its employees.
"Some of my staff worked in other congregate settings, so they had to make a decision," said Hunter. "I've also lost quite a few staff, so that's been an issue for us. Dealing with staff burnout and the added stress of the pandemic, it has been difficult."
Hunter said the centre is having a hard time getting employees to come back to work or finding new ones that want the job.
"I think there's still a concern about COVID-19 and what health risks there could be in congregative settings," said Hunter.
Woman Abuse Prevention Month
November marks Woman Abuse Prevention Month in Ontario. Hunter said this month acts as a reminder to “take action” on abuse and inequality.
As part of the campaign, businesses, organizations, and residents are encouraged to display a purple light that will shine outdoors.
"We want to make the community aware that this [domestic violence] is happening," said Hunter.
On November 25, the centre will be hosting a flag-raising ceremony at 11 a.m. at the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre.
The centre is also involved in another campaign this month called, Wrapped In Courage, which is in partnership with the Ontario Association of Interval Transition Houses.
"We sell our purple scarves and ask people to wear them for the month of November," said Hunter.
Further details about events and the centre can be found on their website.
Women in crisis are encouraged to call their hotline at 519-354-6360 or 1-800-265-0598.
