HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Many people are home safe practicing social distancing as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), but that is not the case for many others.
Domestic violence is still a real situation for many families. The Crisis Services of North Alabama reports there's been a 25 percent increase in domestic-related calls.
"People are worried about money. They're worried about getting sick. They're worried about food supplies, and it's bringing out some fears in people so that can increase the violence as well," added Joleen Heckman, the Domestic Violence Response Coordinator for The Crisis Services of North Alabama.
Heckman says those are just some of the stressors that would create an even more tense environment.
"What we are wanting people to do is have a safety plan. Have an idea of who and where they can go," says Heckman.
If there isn't a place for people to go to, the Crisis Center of North Alabama has 24 hour-helpline. The number to call is 256-716-1000 for counseling, and information about shelters.
Domestic violence situations also include vulnerable children.
"They don't have their teachers with them right now. They don't have their school counselors. They don't have their friends. So it's really important we're keeping an eye out on our community," says Heckman.
Heckman is calling on people to be observant.
"Reach out. There's always someone there to help you get through this. You're not alone. I'm saying that to everyone. I'm saying that for domestic violence, I'm saying that for people considering suicide," added Heckman.
There are several resources which includes NCAC, as well as Ashakiran.
The number for the Crisis Services of North Alabama “Crisis Text Line” is (256)-722-8219.
If you, or anyone you know is in need of suicide crisis prevention, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1(800)-273-TALK.
You can also receive local assistance from Crisis Services of North Alabama using their 24/7 HELPline at (256) 716-1000.
- If you are a veteran (or your loved one is a veteran), you can reach the Veterans Crisis Line by calling 1-800-273-8255 and Pressing 1. You can also send a text to 838255.
- Crisis Services of North Alabama: (256) 716-1000
- Anonymous Text Crisis Line (256) 722-8219
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline : 1(800)-273-TALK
- Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860
- You can call The Trevor Project, an LGBT crisis intervention and suicide prevention hotline, 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386.
- Crisis Text Line 24/7 by texting “START” to 741-741.