COVID 19: Is Domestic Violence Likely to Worsen during Social Isolation?

Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

During the current COVID 19 pandemic, Lethbridge YWCA and Harbour House Women’s Emergency Shelter are anticipating the instances of severe domestic violence to increase and staff are incredibly fearful for the safety of women in the community who are in abusive relationships. In a crisis situation people’s fears and anxieties often increase. With a threat to jobs and income, there’s a fear about how their family will survive, and being isolated from their community and normal social interactions, makes it even worse. This leads to situations people aren’t familiar with and those who have been in a violent relationship before, may see the abuse escalate even further. Typically, from what’s know about past crises, people who have never experienced domestic violence before, may be subjected to such during COVID 19. The speaker will elaborate on the local situation and also discuss who are providing the essential funding to this, literally lifesaving, safety net service in Lethbridge Speaker: Shannon Hansen, Chief Executive Officer YWCA Lethbridge Shannon has over 23 years of experience in supporting and advocating for individuals with complex needs in community. Relocating to Lethbridge with her family 2012, Shannon has worked as the Director of McMan Youth, Family and Community Services and as the Housing First Specialist at the City of Lethbridge. Currently, the CEO at the YWCA, the culmination of her career experience is utilized. Taking a person-centred, strengths-based, cultural humility approach, Shannon continues to support individuals experiencing barriers including trauma, domestic and sexual violence, addictions, sexual assault, and FASD. With domestic and sexual violence as part of the YWCA’s programming, Shannon is passionate about connecting the resources and supports to those who need them. Her passion aligns perfectly with the newly developed YWCA Lethbridge and District’s mission (Enhancing lives through personal empowerment and supportive community) and vision (We are an organization created by women that is leading the community with innovative solutions to enrich lives, promote fulfillment, and create happiness). Date and time: Thursday, April 23, 2020 at 10 am YouTube Live Link: https://youtu.be/LV532UIydw4 In order to ask questions of our speaker in the chat feature of YouTube, you must have a YouTube account and be signed in. Please do so well ahead of the scheduled start time, so you’ll be ready. Go the YouTube Live link provided in this session flyer and on the top right of your browser click the “sign in” button. If you have Google or Gmail accounts, they can be used to sign in. If you don’t, click “Create Account” and follow along. Once you are signed in, you can return to the live stream and use the chat feature to ask your questions of the speaker. Remember you can only participate in the chat feature while we are livestreaming.