People are urged to stay home as much as possible to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but home can be a dangerous place for some people. Xiomara Levsen with the Domestic Violence Intervention Program says many people are now confined to their homes with domestic abusers. She says DVIP is still providing services and shelter to those in need, “What we do is, the client gives us a call and then we talk to them a little bit about what is going on in their life and safety plan with them. That’s a big thing right now is we’re safety planning with all of our clients, because they’re at home with their abusers more, they’re not able to get out with the pandemic going on.”

She adds that they can also assist people with filing for protection orders at this time. Levsen says there’s been an increase in need as more families are experiencing added stress from the current situation, including financial stress from less work and school closures.

There are resources available 24/7 by phone call, text message, or online. If you need help, visit https://bit.ly/2yXdGah, call 1-800-770-1650 or text IOWAHELP to 2012.