Domestic violence a concern during pandemic

In a time when families are forced to stay home together, some do better than others. Some may struggle, especially in cases where there is a history of domestic violence or substance abuse.

Lisa Peterman is the director of Crisis Intervention Services in Park County. When this health concern began to appear, she says they really didn’t know what to expect.

“We were very concerned that we would get extremely busy," she explains,

"and I’ve been worried about a shelter-in-place order, and then clients not being able to get to us.”

However, she says they’ve not experienced a significant rise in cases.

“Our client levels have remained relatively the same, it’s slightly increasing, but I believe that we are pretty steady.”

However, Peterman says that while things may be calm right now, they do expect a rise in cases within the next month.

“With people trapped with their perpetrators for longer periods of time and unable to leave, then I think when this is over we will see those people coming to see us and wanting to get out," she observes. "And finally realizing they need to get out of the situation.”

Peterman does have advice for people who may feel trapped in an unsafe situation during this time of social distancing.

“We just really encourage people to call the crisis line in their community," she says. "There’s a program like Crisis Intervention Services in every county in the state, so they can call their 24-hour crisis line to get help, or 911."

If you or someone you know needs help, please contact authorities.