By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Home is supposed to be a safe place – especially now when Ohioans are ordered to seek refuge there from the coronavirus pandemic.
But for homes where peace is lacking, the stay-at-home order is taking its toll on vulnerable families.
In March, the Cocoon in Bowling Green saw a 40% increase in the number of calls for help from people facing violence in their homes.
“We had anticipated that was probably going to be the case,” said Kathy Mull, executive director of the Cocoon, which serves local survivors of domestic and sexual violence. “We’ve not been surprised to see our numbers go up in the last month.”
Those seeking help last month were in search of a safe shelter, wanted to file for civil protection orders, or wanted help creating safety plans, Mull said.
Those facing domestic violence are likely to feel isolated, dependent, and stuck in their homes with a partner who may be more volatile when ordered to stay put, or after losing employment.
“We would encourage folks to not feel like they have to stay in a position that’s not safe,” Mull said.
“The Cocoon is still here,” she said. The agency’s shelter is open, and the 24-hour hotline is still available by calling 419-373-1730, option 2. Hospitals are still open to help them. Courts are still functioning to step in where needed.
“They aren’t alone. They don’t have to hunker down and stick it out,” Mull said.
Anyone facing violence in the home is exempt from Ohio’s stay-at-home order, she added.
As the pandemic continues, financial strain and lack of control are likely to put further pressure on families.
“That could mean that they don’t have the means to safely get out,” Mull said.
“Add in all the other stressors that are happening,” she said. “All of these combined is the perfect catalyst for people in homes who are already feeling unsafe.”
With the increased need for services, space in the Cocoon’s shelter in Bowling Green has been in demand, Mull explained.
“We’ve been operating at maximum capacity,” she said.
However, the agency will not leave domestic violence survivors wanting for a safe location to stay.
“We will connect you with another safe place,” Mull said.
While calls about domestic violence have spiked across the state, the numbers of people reporting sexual violence have dropped.
“Our concern is folks are afraid to go to hospitals,” she said. “They’re not sure where to turn.”
But Mull encouraged those facing sexual violence to seek help.
“The hospital is a safe place to go,” she said.
