While our local population has been directed to shelter in place, to stem the COVID-19 outbreak, an unfortunate side effect of that can be domestic problems—and an increased need for programs like the Peace House.
The Director of the Peace House, Kendra Wyckoff, told KPCW they have seen an uptick in people reaching out for help with domestic violence problems. She said the Stay At Home Order can exacerbate the problem of living at home with an abuser.
“ Domestic abuse is about power and control for an abusive partner. And so in this type of situation and scenario, what we’re seeing is that if their abusive partner is home, then they’re able to monitor a victim’s contacts, who they’re talking to, if they’re reaching out via phone or some other technology. They may be monitoring a victim’s day-to-day activities, not allowing them to leave even for essential items like groceries or restricting access to medical care. Oftentimes, for adult survivors and children, going to work or going to school can be a respite for them, a place where they receive support. And now that we’re in the space due to the pandemic, where everybody is sheltering in their home, home may not be a safe place for some in our community.”
She said the services offered by the Peace House are operating. They may look a little different, as help is delivered by devices such as “tele-health.”
“Our 24-hour Help Line is a way to get in touch with a trained advocate around the clock 24 hours a day, so that they can speak with someone about safety planning. And safety planning, if they’re at home with their partner right now, is an important thing that we can offer individuals, if they’re not feeling like they are needing shelter, or feeling like they’re ready to access the shelter, so we’re able to offer support talk and safety planning.”
Wyckoff said that safety planning can be different for each individual.
“A safety plan could include things like having an identifying support in the community that you can reach out to and ask for help. It could be things like having a code word. It could have a very intentional plan about being able to escape and get out of the house if things are escalating.”
She advised patrons to phone ahead, since there are times when the Peace House is at capacity. In that case, though, they can seek out other options and programs.
“We really encourage folks to call our Help Line, as that first line of response. Although we are, in terms of our community campus, not having people come into the lobby, if that’s the only alternative for someone, we encourage them to come here directly to our facility as well, and we have some protocols in place to be able to safely connect with that person to protect their health and well-being.”
They have had to drop some services, such as support groups or educational presentations in the local schools.
They have received a $10,000 emergency grant from the Park City Community Foundation.
Wyckoff said they are offering a new program this month.
“In April, we are getting an online platform up and running. And so our prevention education team will be offering a series on both Tuesdays and Thursday evenings to support education and information. The series on Thursday night is called “Strong Together” and it includes things like Self Care in Stressful Time. And then the series on Tuesday nights will be focused on trauma, and trauma-informed care and information on adverse childhood experiences.”
Peace House Director Kendra Wyckoff, who said you can get more information online at “peacehouse.org.” Their Help Line number is 1-800-647-9161.
