Domestic Violence: Resources for Help During this Quarantine – Help is Just a Phone Call Away
Trained professionals are available to you and your family to get to safety. Shelters and hotels remain open for victims and families of domestic abuse.
The stay-at-home orders for COVID-19 are supposed to slow the spread and protect the public. But for some, being home is more dangerous than the risk of getting the virus. Quarantine has forced many people to stay home. Millions have lost their jobs. Tempers are flaring, and abusers are more likely to lash out.
Reports in Los Angeles County (1) say domestic violence calls are up 8% compared to last year. Victims of abuse have nowhere to hide. Home cameras can track your every move. Abusers can spy on your phone calls and texts or see and track which websites you visited.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti opened a program that helps domestic violence victims find refuge in local hotels instead of having to go back home to their abusers.
If you are a victim of domestic violence, you are not alone. Domestic violence shelters are still open and taking people in. Hotlines will connect you to the services and support you need. Help is just a phone call away.
Reaching Out for Help
Making the decision to get help is a personal one. You may be worried that your abuser will hurt your children or other family members. But help is out there, ready and waiting for you to reach out.
When you decide that you’re ready to get help, there are many local resources available. Most of these services don’t require hard evidence of abuse to provide help. These trained professionals are here to help you and your family get to safety.
If you’re worried about your pets, many shelters and organizations will make sure that your pets are placed in a foster home or safe animal shelter. Once you and your family are in a safe place, you will be reunited with your pets.
If you’re not ready to get help:
- Stay in touch with friends and neighbors. Talk to them about what you’re going through. Having the support of loved ones will give you the strength and courage to face this challenge.
- Create a code or alert system to let neighbors know when you need help, like turning on your porch light.
- Create a safety plan for the kids. Come up with a code word that lets the kids know when to run to a neighbor’s house and call 911.
Where to Get Help
If you are facing an emergency, call 911 immediately for help.
There are many shelters and organizations in the Boyle Heights area and surrounding communities that can help:
Children’s Bureau at Magnolia Place Family Center
1910 Magnolia Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90007
(213) 342-0100
Website
East Los Angeles Women’s Center
1255 S. Atlantic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90022
(323) 526-5819
Website
Oakwood Family Resource Center
3910 Oakwood Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90004
(323) 953-7356
Website
Good Shepherd Center for Homeless Women and Children
1671 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(213) 235-1460
Website
Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice (Plaza Del Sol)
1241 S. Soto St., Suite 102
Los Angeles, CA 90023
(323) 980-3500
Website
Downtown Women’s Center
442 S. San Pedro St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 680-0600
Website
National Domestic Violence Hotline
You can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline anytime (24/7) or visit their website to get help. The website has a live chat feature, so you can still get help when calling is not an option.
You can also find more trusted local services in your community at www.boyleheighstresources.org or download the Boyle Heights Resources app.
Resources