Quarantine Creates Breeding Ground for Domestic Violence

Self-quarantine and social distancing in our community can help reduce the spread of COVID-19, but for many survivors of domestic violence, staying home may not be the safest option. External factors such as added stress and financial strain make it extra complicated to flee unsafe situations and increasingly dangerous to remain in close proximity to abusive partners. Abuse is about power and control, and when the community is encouraged to remain in their homes, an abuser may take advantage of an already stressful situation.

GBMC’s Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) and Domestic Violence (DV) Program and all of our community partners are working diligently to ensure a full spectrum of services, including support and safety planning, is still available. We are committed to everyone’s safety during this unsettling time. The SAFE and DV Program will continue to provide medical-forensic and advocacy services to patients – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – at no cost.

Some ways abuse partners may take advantage of COVID-19 are as follows:

• Withholding necessary items including insurance cards to prevent their partner from seeking appropriate medical attention if they have symptoms
• Giving misinformation about the pandemic to control or frighten survivors
• Using the pandemic to prevent survivors from seeing children or family

If you or someone you love is experiencing a situation involving intimate partner violence, please reach out to GBMC’s SAFE and DV Program or one of our community partners for help.

GBMC SAFE & DV Program (available 24/7) – 443.849.3323

Turn Around (available 24/7) – 443.279.0379

House of Ruth Maryland (available 24/7) – 410.889.7884

Family Crisis Center – office: 410.285.4357 – shelter: 410.285.7496

Baltimore County Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Hotline – available 24/7 – 410.828.6390

SARC (Harford County) – available 24/7 – 410.836.8430

National Domestic Violence Hotline – available 24/7 – 1.800.799.7233

All who need to seek protection from abuse and wish to file for a Peace or Protective Order within Baltimore County should access the District Court Commissioner’s Office 24/7 at the following locations: