A Double Pandemic, You’re not alone 
If the domestic abuse crisis wasn’t bad enough, adding stay at home orders due to COVID-19 has heightened the fatal statistics and fear around the world. Since the very beginning of this 2020 pandemic, we have been hearing about the domestic abuse crimes rising and it tugs at my heart. Not everyone is fortunate enough like me to have escaped before this all started. I don’t take anything for granted anymore, I wake up every morning and Thank God, for rescuing me when he did. I know that I would not have survived under these restricted living situations and I pray daily for all the Women and Children that still are.
Abuse in any form is a crime and should be taken very seriously. It is nothing to feel shameful of, it is NOT your fault. If you are in any type of abusive situation, whether it’s physical, mental, emotional, sexual; I urge you to call your local Domestic Violence Hotline or 911. Contact a friend, a relative, a neighbor, your Church…ask for help. You have people surrounding you that care and want to help you, you just have to reach out.
If you are like I was and was afraid to let people into your dark world, if you are afraid because your abuser is threatening you, if someone is telling you that you won’t make it out on your own, if you feel stuck and feel like there’s no where else to go, it’s NOT true. Even if you are living in a new area and have no family or friends, the Domestic Violence Center will help you. Do not be afraid to ask for help. Pray, ask God for protection and to take away your fear. He will give you the courage to make the crucial move that will save your life.
I read an article today about a 28 year old girl in Minnesota (she was a beautiful, young woman who had her whole life ahead of her). Her family reported that the situation of the COVID-19 heightened the spousal abuse that led her husband to murder her. These types of horrific incidents are everywhere and it needs to stop. Please, if you are in any type of abusive relationship, don’t be afraid, stop listening to the lies. Get help and get as far away from this person as quickly as you can.
Everyone deserves to Be Loved & Safe
For immediate help you should always call 911 or your country’s emergency hotline.
Domestic Violence Hotlines: are open 24/7
New Jersey: (1800) 572-SAFE (7233) / NJ Col. Against sexual assault: (1800) 601-7200
Pennsylvania: (1800) 799-SAFE (7233)
Philadelphia: (1866) 723-3014
National Domestic Violence hotline: (1800) 799-7233. If you are unable to speak safely you can log onto “thehotline.org” or text “LOVEIS” to 22522
Love to all, God Bless and be Safe