As COVID-19 forces people to stay home, anti-abuse charities have warned it could lead to an uptick in domestic violence, and the No More Project has launched a campaign to encourage collective awareness and action against abuse. We explore the insights behind this and why people want to band together in the face of a crisis.
The No More Project and the National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH)’s #ListeningFromHome campaign brings awareness to those trapped at home with their abusers during self-isolation. “She’s been isolated and living in fear for years,” reads one spot, which highlights how the signs of domestic abuse are often invisible. "Isolation is one of the strongest tactics an abuser can use, so building community around a survivor during COVID-19 is more important than ever before,” says Katie Ray-Jones, chief executive of NDVH. “For those who know and care about survivors or for those who observe abuse, you can be a part of their safety plan."
Widespread self-isolation measures have been particularly difficult for victims of domestic abuse as many are forced to stay home with their abusers. Indeed, organizations across the country have seen an uptick in people seeking help, with one YWCA in Tennessee reporting a 50% increase in calls since Mayor John Cooper advised residents to stay at home. With government resources stretched to the limit during the pandemic, #ListeningFromHome is leaning on communities to do their part in preventing abuse. And as people struggle with feelings of helplessness in the face of a global crisis, any opportunity to effect positive change will likely be welcomed. For younger generations, non-profit group Team29 has created a video game to help people recognize signs of abuse.
This isn't the only initiative looking to prevent abuse; Rihanna and Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey have also teamed up to set up a $4.2 million grant helping those suffering from domestic violence during the pandemic, simultaneously raising awareness in the process.
Ope Oduwole is a junior behavioral analyst at Canvas8. He has a BA from the University of Nottingham and leans on the inquisitive nature of his studies. With an avid interest in all things creative, if he’s not at a concert or poetry reading, he’s buried inside a book with a cup of green tea.
