The mayor and the governor have ordered us all to stay home during the COVID-19 crisis. For many of us, that means significantly more time with family. Occasionally getting on each others’ nerves in close quarters is to be expected. However, for some of our neighbors, the situation is much more serious.
For individuals with an abusive partner, the coronavirus has exacerbated the normal hurdles they experience. Challenges like isolation and economic uncertainty have dramatically increased. At the most basic level, we have been ordered to stay inside with their abusers. So what can someone do if they are in an abusive relationship during this time?
As always, call 911 if you are in immediate danger. Police officers are still working to keep citizens safe in emergencies. If you need a protection order, Denver County Court is now taking applications online. You can still be granted a temporary protection order even though courts are not holding traditional dockets. See this link for more information. The attorneys at FGMC are experienced in securing permanent protection orders – please contact us today if you need assistance.
For non-emergency assistance, there are still resources available although many sources of help are temporarily closed for in-person meetings. SafeHouse Denver is still operating their crisis hotline 24/7. Call 303-318-9989 to speak with an advocate for support and safety planning. The Rose Andom Center is a wonderful one-stop-shop of resources for individuals experiencing domestic abuse. They may be physically closed, but they are still accepting phone appointments to offer support. Call 720-337-4400 to make an appointment, Monday through Friday, from 8:00-5:00.
As we all band together and stay home for the greater good, please remember this is not a safe situation for everyone. Please check in on your friends and family and be ready to offer support and resources if need be. In better times, please keep organizations like SafeHouse Denver and the Rose Andom Center in mind as you chose non-profits to support.
Associate