By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
The Cocoon has seen domestic violence cases increase during COVID – while the number of survivors that can be offered shelter has dropped due to the pandemic.
The spike in cases started as soon as Ohio’s stay-at-home order was issued in March of 2020. The Cocoon in Bowling Green saw a 40% increase in the number of calls for help from people facing violence in their homes. As the stay-at-home orders began to lift, the Cocoon saw a 50% increase in sexual violence reports.
Kathy Mull, executive director of the Cocoon, explained that those facing domestic violence felt isolated, dependent, and stuck in their homes with a partner who may have been more volatile when ordered to stay put, or after losing employment.
Not only have the number of instances of violence been on the rise, but the violence within those instances has escalated. As the pandemic continued, financial strain and lack of control put further pressure on families.
A year and a half later, and the number of domestic violence cases has not returned to its pre-COVID level, Mull said.
“We are really continuing to see those numbers stay at an elevated number,” she said.
So the Cocoon shelter is almost always full.
That means individuals or families are sometimes directed to other shelters in the area, Mull said.
“We try to work really hard with shelters in the same proximity as us,” she said. But those shelters are feeling the same demands for services. “We’re all in the same position.”
The increase in survivors needing shelter is harder to meet since COVID precautions have limited the number of people who can stay at the Cocoon.
“COVID regulations do not allow us to put unrelated people together in a room,” Mull explained. “We have more need, but fewer beds.”
The shelter has seven suites with a total of 24 beds. Many of those beds go unfilled now due to COVID restrictions.
In 2019, the Cocoon served 600 survivors. That number jumped to 747 in 2020, and promises to surpass that this year, with 662 survivors already seeking help as of Sept. 30.
With October being National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Cocoon has spent the last month reminding the community about the needs – and how community members can help.
“We’re really hoping the community can help spread awareness,” Mull said. “Everybody knows somebody who is experiencing domestic violence. We don’t ever want people to feel alone.”
Sixty-five businesses throughout Wood County agreed to put up posters or art displays raising awareness about domestic violence during the month.
“That’s huge,” Mull said.
The Cocoon can also use more volunteers and more monetary donations, since the agency relies greatly on the generosity of local residents, organizations, and businesses.
“Every dollar that is donated goes back into serving survivors of domestic or sexual violence,” Mull said.
The Cocoon is also working on preventing domestic violence from occurring.
“Part of what we can do as a community is to prevent domestic violence from happening in the first place,” Mull said.
It’s important that people realize help is available.
“We’re here. Call if you need help,” she said.
The Cocoon offers 24/7 services every day of the year. An advocate can be reached by calling 419-373-1730 and selecting option #2. Anyone needing services as well as those who are concerned about loved ones are encouraged to call. Services are provided at no cost and are confidential.
To learn more, visit www.thecocoon.org or call 419-373-1730.
