We often hear the advice to stay home and stay safe as we deal with COVID-19, but for some people, home isn’t safe. The phones are quiet at domestic violence shelters these days, and that’s because it’s more difficult to privately call for help if the abuser is always at home.

The Executive Director of Saskatoon Interval House says right now the victims don’t have the opportunity to reach out during these days of physical distancing, staying home and job layoffs. Tanya Wiggins expects there will be an influx in calls for help and advice once the pandemic restrictions are lifted.

She urges neighbours to watch out for each other, and if you think something is going on, call your local domestic violence support centre and if it’s an emergency, call 911.

Saskatoon Interval House and all the other shelters are practicing physical distancing which has meant they are at about 50 or 60 per cent capacity right now. Wiggins says to deal with that, they have been working with the Saskatoon Housing Authority to expedite the process of getting people into safe housing. Counseling would also be provided, just not in person.

Interval House also has an arrangement with a local hotel for people coming into the program who are at high risk for COVID-19. They would isolate at the hotel for 14 days before coming in to the shelter. Wiggins hopes that once restrictions are lifted, the government will help them to keep up that agreement, to handle all of the calls for help coming in.

If you need help, you can click here to get advice from your nearest shelter.