Wednesday, April 22, 2020

When Staying Home Isn’t Safe

It’s a cry that has resounded across Canada and many parts of the world: to keep yourself and others safe from COVID-19 infection, it’s important to stay home. But what if staying home isn’t safe?

Blogs

By André van Heerden, Communications Director

News reports from all over are marking a sharp increase in calls for help because of domestic violence. According to police in France, reports of domestic abuse have soared 36 percent. In China, calls to help lines have tripled compared to last year. In the UK, they’ve increased by 25 percent.

The Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services saw its number of calls and messages double. Vancouver’s Battered Women’s Support Services says its staff have seen a 300 percent increase for the month of April.

The United Nations called for urgent action to combat the worldwide surge in domestic violence. “I urge all governments to put women’s safety first as they respond to the pandemic,” Secretary General António Guterres wrote on Twitter.

Men who are used to being on the road, or away from home for long periods of time, are now bringing their addictions and anxiety home. And now they’re more stressed, possibly laid off, drinking more, and have nowhere else to go.

And those suffering the abuse are limited to where they can escape. Shelters and centres for abused women and children are under the same outbreak restrictions as everywhere else.

Governments are recognizing the problem and are scrambling to aid help agencies and increase access to call centres. In many areas, vacant hotel rooms are being used as temporary shelters. But with the outbreak restrictions looking like they will continue for weeks to come, the situation is likely to get worse.

CLAC has always recognized that work is more than just a job. For many of us, it defines part of who we are and gives our lives meaning.

Many studies show that losing one’s job, especially for men, is as stressful as losing a loved one or going through a divorce. It’s important to recognize that everyone is going to react differently to drastic changes to their work and lives. Some are able to look for the silver linings—others can’t see past the stress, worry, and boredom.

CLAC is now offering free access to professional counsellors who can give immediate and confidential help to everyone we represent. This includes not only members but their immediate families.

Through our employee and family assistance program (EFAP), healthcare professionals are ready to assist with mental health concerns, relationships, addictions, anxiety, stress, financial advice, and more. For those not covered by a CLAC benefits plan, this confidential service is available until May 31, 2020. CLAC will consider extending this if necessary.

You can access the EFAP anytime by phone, web, or mobile app. Call 1-844-880-9142 (TTY: 1-877-338-0275), visit workhealthlife.com, or download My EAP from Morneau Sheppell in the App Store or Google Play.

If you need immediate help, please contact a women’s shelter in your area.

When Staying Home Isn’t Safe

You might be interested in