Isolation.

We've likely all felt a little isolated at some point this year as phrases like "social distancing" and "stay-at-home orders" have become a way of life. Hopefully though, for most of us, the feeling is fleeting and we are able to reconnect with whoever we've been missing through a safe distance or even virtually.

For a victim of domestic violence, isolation is not only mentally and emotionally difficult, it is a mechanism that abusers use to gain and maintain power and control, which is the root of all abuse.

In talking about stay-at-home orders, one survivor told us that her abuser would have beaten her every single day because the only reprieve she had when living with him was when he was at work.

Another survivor described wearing a mask over her face as a trauma trigger to when her abuser would hold her against her will with his hand over her mouth and nose.

Another survivor lost her job and ultimately her home, due to the Pandemic. And though these are two very real reasons that many survivors return to the abusive partner, she contacted SafeHomes, came into shelter, participated in our workforce development program and ultimately started a new job & found affordable housing.

We do not discount the unprecedented impact the Pandemic has made on people from all walks of life right here in our community. Nor do we discount the unique challenges survivors of domestic violence have navigated during this time. But we have found a way to maintain our essential programs and services, and never once closed our operations for those who needed us. We learned about ZOOM. We learned about TELETHEALTH. We learned about VIRTUAL fill-in-the-blank. We survived and will continue to survive the test of time and be here for those who need us most. But we need YOU. We have canceled our largest annual fundraiser for 2020 but it is critical that we can make that funding up in other ways. There are simply too many people who need us right now. Please consider a donation of any amount this #GivingTuesday. Maybe this is a one-time gift. Or maybe you choose to do a recurring monthly gift. Maybe your employer offers a matching gifts program. But no matter the size of the donation, know that it will make a lasting impact on our ability to move forward and support survivors of domestic violence.