FAQs

When we talk about self-isolation, social-distancing, quarantines, or lockdowns, we assume that home is a safe space for everyone, but for survivors of domestic violence, this isn’t always true. If you have been physically hurt and you are apprehensive about going to a hospital or an emergency room for fear of exposure to the virus: 1. Call the nearest hospital or a trusted family doctor. 2. Explain your situation. 3. Ask them where you can get the help you need. 4. Get details regarding precautions you need to take if you go to a healthcare facility.

With individuals working from home, or losing their jobs, and children being out of school, people may be confined in their home with their abusers. This could lead to increased conflict and aggression, and volatile relationships can turn violent. It's also important to keep in mind that there may be increased stress and anxiety due to uncertainty, and abusers might feel like they are losing control - they may choose to indulge in violence towards family members to regain their sense of power and control. The physical distancing that a lockdown demands also reduces people's access to their support systems, abusers may feel like there won't be consequences. Furthermore, women may find it hard to leave the home due to reduced public transportation, and they might not want to visit their parents because they are elderly and they might be scared of exposing them to the virus.

Find time and space to write out a safety plan that you can follow. Make sure you keep your plan safe and out of the hands of your abuser. 1. Begin by listing scenarios that trigger violence. This can involve identifying triggers, walking through prior incidents, and considering lockdown-specific situations that may precipitate abuse. Is there more abuse when your abuser consumes alcohol? Are they more likely to engage in physical abuse when their routine is upsetted in some way? Listing these scenarios will help you identify when violence may occur, allowing you to prepare and protect yourself. 2. Problem Solve. Brainstorm solutions to the list of possible scenarios. Think through the pros and cons of each solution. Choose solutions you are comfortable with. For instance, identify a safe space within your home that they can go to if there is violence due to substance abuse. Does your abuser usually drink in a specfic room, do they drink at a specific time of day? 3. Facilitate connections. Identify people that you can turn to when you're facing violence. Building new relationships can be difficult during this traumatic time, instead you may need to map out who can help you in different situations - perhaps your parents may be able to help you financially, or they might be able to connect you with other family members who could help.

1. Keep all your important documents with you (passport, driver’s license, or any other form of identification, bank records, medical records) 2. Remember the address of the nearest police station 3. Try to keep money and a phone aside, for your use only. 4. Know which friend or family member's house you can go to. 5. Avoid choosing your elderly family members in order to reduce their exposure to the virus.

The reduction in public transport and cab services during this period can make it very hard to leave. Police and ambulance services are essential services that will be available during the lockdown. You can call the police, explain the situation, and ask for protection. If you are hurt, you can also call an ambulance service. To call the Police, dial 100. To call an Ambulance, dial 108