We are #INThisTogether. But, we’re not all #ShelteringSafely.
That’s why we’re partnering to prevent abuse.
We’ve entered into a partnership with Plainfield Community School Corporation and Susie’s Place Child Advocacy Centers to support children in Plainfield who may be living in homes in which abuse is occurring. These students would normally have the opportunity to talk to a trusted teacher, nurse, principal or coach.
They simply do not have that option while a shelter-at-home order is in place.
Plainfield Schools distributes hundreds of lunches each weekday to students across the district. We have provided a pair of posters designed to help children understand how hands and words should be used and to empower them to speak to a trusted adult if they or someone in their home is experiencing any form of abuse.
Even though domestic violence reports are going down, the most violent categories of domestic crimes aren’t. Among the domestic incidents reported by the Chicago Police Department during the month of March and the first two weeks of April were three murders and 78 shootings, both of which represent a slight increase from the year before.
Weihua Li and Beth Schwartzapfel
Is Domestic Violence Rising During the Coronavirus Shutdown? Here’s What the Data Shows.
Nationally, while reports of abuse have decreased since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, the incidence of domestic violence has not. In fact, all signs point to a sharp increase not only in the frequency of domestic violence but in the severity, a fact that should trouble all of us.
How can we recognize signs of abuse while socially distancing? Who will speak up for victims? When and how do we check in on friends, family or neighbors – especially if we suspect abuse is occurring?
Even in the best of times, it takes a village to raise a child. In the heart of a global pandemic and a seemingly endless quarantine, that village has never been more important. We’re proud to partner with Plainfield Schools and Susie’s Place. If you would like to join the partnership and help us raise awareness and prevent all forms of violence, get started by checking out the resources we’ve gathered on our #ShelteringSafely page.
If you or someone you know needs help or information, call our 24/7 helpline at (317) 745-1496.
Nobody deserves to be abused. You deserve better.
