The Shadow Pandemic
Written by Annalise Trudell, PhD, Manager of Education, Training & Research, ANOVA
When the pandemic hit Ontario in early March, staff at Anova were filled with dread. Not only did we fear what havoc it would wreak on our community’s health, but also because of the potential for huge increases in gender-based violence (GBV) that we knew would likely follow.
Social isolation, mental health troubles, and unemployment were some of the early side effects of the shutdown—they’re also the most commonly identified risk factors for domestic homicide. Along with sibling agencies across the globe, we waited to see how this pandemic would exacerbate the long-raging epidemic of GBV.
Many months in and we haven’t seen a huge surge in calls to our crisis & support line. We haven’t seen a surge in police responding to domestic violence calls. But though reports of abuse haven’t increased, the severity has. Since March, the callers who do reach out are in greater crisis. The acuity of the violence is much more intense, and the risk is higher. From April to June, we had to turn away 356 women because we didn’t have the space, and we continue to have a waitlist for our sexual assault counselling.
This is unacceptable and yet, this pre-dates COVID-19. The pandemic is weighing down on a system that was already stretched beyond capacity. Like so many of those engaged in care work, our labour is deemed essential until the time comes to pay for it. We do not need a one-time payout, we need sustainable core funding. Recent discussions of defunding the police have left some people shocked, but the government has been defunding anti-violence services for years without anyone batting an eye.
Beyond funding, we need community awareness and individual action. You, dear reader, you know someone who is being abused or has experienced violence. We all do. And despite what you may have been taught, it is your business. Do you have anyone in your life who seems particularly isolated, or is increasingly pulling back? When you think of an unhealthy relationship, do any particular real-life examples come to your mind? Here are some ways to help (and not further harm) those who may be experiencing violence:
Do reach out and reach out often
Do ask how their partner is handling the health recommendations
Do name what you are seeing
Do use ANOVA’s crisis support line: (519)-642-3000
Don’t demonize, but don’t excuse abusive behaviour
Don’t encourage them to confront the abuser
Don’t encourage them to leave without a clear safety plan
Don’t push them towards actions when they are not ready