Durham Crisis Response Center, District Attorney and Sheriff Highlight Domestic Violence Resources Amid COVID-19

NEWS RELEASE
March 26, 2020
For immediate release

Media Contacts

Durham Crisis Response Center — Tammy Donald, tdonald@durhamcrisisresponse.org

Durham County District Attorney’s Office — Sarah Willets, sarah.k.willets@nccourts.org

Durham County Sheriff’s Office — AnnMarie Breen, pio@durhamsheriff.org

Durham Crisis Response Center, District Attorney and Sheriff Highlight Domestic Violence Resources Amid COVID-19

DURHAM, NC — The Durham Crisis Response Center (DCRC), Durham County District Attorneys Office and the Durham County Sheriff’s Office are highlighting resources available to survivors of domestic violence as our community copes with COVID-19.

As Durham residents heed the advice of health officials and practice social distancing, the confinement, stress and financial hardship associated with COVID-19 could present an increased likelihood of abuse in homes experiencing domestic violence.

“In pandemics such as COVID-19, isolation can be hard on anyone. It becomes particularly hard to be isolated with your abuser,” says Kent Wallace-Meggs, DCRC’s executive director. “Abusers may tell survivors untruths about access to care, make them feel as if they have no way out or that no resources are open. Abusers may take this situation and use it to further isolate the survivor from communicating with friends and family and their support system. We are here to let this community know we are here for you and available through our helpline twenty-four hours a day. “

DCRC, District Attorney Satana Deberry and Sheriff Clarence Birkhead want domestic violence survivors to know that services to assist them are continuing to operate during this time.

“As our community deals with COVID-19, it is critical that survivors of domestic violence know that help is available,” says DA Deberry. “Victims of intimate partner violence, sexual assault and child abuse are of the highest priority to the Durham County District Attorney’s Office — now and always. You are not alone.”

“The deputies in our domestic violence unit are specially trained to assist those in crisis,” says Sheriff Birkhead. “We’re here day and night to assist. If someone is being abused or witnesses abuse they can reach out to us by calling 911 or our communications center at 919–560–0900.”

Resources available to victims of domestic violence:

Please note conditions are fluid and this information is subject to change. Find the Durham Crisis Response Center, District Attorney’s Office and Sheriff’s Office on social media for ongoing updates.

For individuals experiencing domestic or sexual violence, the Durham Crisis Response Center helpline is available 24/7 at 919–403–6562 (English) or 919–519–3735 (Español). Advocates provide emotional support, safety planning, information, and referrals. This service is free and confidential.

While many court operations have been modified due to ongoing health concerns related to COVID-19, domestic violence protective orders are still being addressed at the Durham County Courthouse, located at 510 South Dillard Street.

The Family Justice Center remains open at the courthouse to assist with protective orders. Individuals who are in need of a domestic violence protective order should call the Family Justice Center at 919–450–8970. This line is answered until 5:00 p.m. The Family Justice Center, located in Suite 2000 on the second floor of the courthouse, is open Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

More information about obtaining a protective order in North Carolina can be found on the NC Courts website.

How COVID-19 could impact intimate partner violence survivors:

• Abusive partners may withhold necessary items such as hand sanitizers and disinfectants
• Abusive partners may withhold things like information, insurance cards and prevent frightened survivors from seeking medical care
• High-risk survivors may be at risk in public places where they would typically seek help or shelter
• Manipulating survivors into thinking there are no longer any resources available for them
• Abusive partners may tell survivors they have been infected with COVID-19 and tell them by leaving they are putting others in danger

Some of the signs of an abusive partner include:

• Shows extreme jealousy
• Insults, demeans or shames you with put-downs
• Controls the household’s money
• Controls who you see, where you go, or what you do
• Destroys your property
• Threatens to harm your children or pets
• Intimidates you with guns, knives or other weapons
• Pressures you to have sex, use drugs or drink alcohol when you don’t want to

If you are experiencing domestic violence:

• Reach out for help. Assistance is a phone call away. The Durham Crisis Response Center help line is available 24 hours per day at 919–403–6562 (English) or 919–519–3735 (Español).
• Create or update a safety plan. The Durham Crisis Response Center can assist in ways to help you remain safe during this time.
• Practice self care. Stress can weaken an immune system. Get rest, drink water and eat healthily.
• Call 911 if you are in immediate danger.

If someone you love is experiencing domestic violence:

• Listen. Be supportive and non-judgmental.
• Encourage them to reach out to someone who can help.
• Help them create a safety plan or connect them to a service provider, like Durham Crisis Response Center, that can.