Officials see increase in calls regarding domestic violence since stay at home order
BENZIE COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) -- The Governor's stay home order is meant to keep people safe but for victims and survivors of domestic violence, it could mean the opposite of safe.
According to the Benzie County sheriff, domestic violence calls ranged from two to six per month between October 2019 and February 2020.
But for the month of March, when the stay at home order went into effect, there were 14 calls related to domestic violence.
The sheriff said things like alcohol, job loss and other stressors can all play a factor in triggering domestic violence.
Meanwhile, the Women's Resource Center in Traverse City said they have seen fewer calls related to domestic violence, which doesn't necessarily mean it's a good thing.
"Isolation is one of the tactics that abusers use to control their victims and so making that first call can basically mean the difference between life and death," said Juliette Schultz, the executive director of the Women's Resource Center. "If they are completely unable to make that call, that is very, very concerning to us.”
As of right now the WRC Thrift Shop is closed and is not accepting donations.
The emergency shelter remains open unless additional directives from a unit of government dictate otherwise.
Schultz said the emergency shelter is in need of more hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes and paper towels.
WRC advocates are still supporting victims and survivors regularly via the phone and online.
If you need to speak with an Advocate or have any questions, call the WRC at (231) 941-1210.
All of the latest coronavirus information can be found on our coronavirus page.
