By Linda Farmer,
S.A.F.E. Victims Advocate
We’ve been informed and took heed to self-quarantine during this pandemic, keeping a safe distance and wearing facial protections to enable our safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Almost everyone is scared of what this can bring upon their families. Hardship due to job loss, sickness, being evicted due to rent becoming overdue, and most of all, the possibility of losing loved ones to this virus. Every family is under stress that COVID-19 brings.
Take a minute and think about the families that are also facing domestic violence issues at home alone with the COVID-19 pandemic.
These victims are put in close proximity to their abuser, some may have no way out to seek help. This puts victims at a higher rate of being physically or emotionally abused. The abuse could also lead to death for victims with medical problems.
During this time, the fear for them runs even higher. Children are also more prone to see the abuse that is happening, some may even try to intervene. This is the time when most children sustain injuries. The abuser may feel they’re losing the power of control and strike out toward the children, letting them know they hold that power over all.
With COVID-19, we follow the guidelines to protect everyone in our society. By getting involved and taking a stand against Domestic Violence, we can protect our victims and their children from their abusers too.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. S.A.F.E. (Stop Abusive Family Environments) works across McDowell, Mercer and Wyoming counties and will have a Silent Walk, in memory of the those who have lost their lives due to abuse and to support those who still struggle with this crime every day.
Below is a list of dates, time and locations, as well as the contact person if you would like to attend.
• McDowell County, October 16th. The walk will begin at Martha Moore Park, downtown Welch, at 6 p.m. Contact Rosie Jackson at 1 (304) 436-8117.
• Mercer County, October 19th. The walk will begin at Bluefield City Park at 1:00 p.m. Contact Joyce Jupiter at (304) 324-7820 or (304) 320-2547.
• Wyoming County, October 23rd. The walk will being at Pineville Fire Department at 6:00 p.m. Contact Linda Farmer at (304) 732-8176.
Facial masks and safe distancing will be observed at these events. The public is invited to come out and support the cause.