Social distancing means staying home, but not everyone’s homes are safe. Here are some strategies and resources survivors may find helpful during these circumstances:
- Survivor’s Rights & COVID-19
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: Telephone: 800.656.HOPE (4673) Online chat: online.rainn.org Español: rainn.org/es
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for resources.
If you fear that your life or safety are in immediate danger, call 911.
- Plan for less shelter availability – consider alternatives to shelter such as staying with family or friends, staying in motels, etc.
- Identify a list of key contacts at your local and state health departments, doctors, and clinics in your area.
- If you usually meet with a counselor, case manager, attorney, legal advocate, etc. face-to-face, talk about the possibility of meeting remotely instead.
- Try to maintain social connections online or over the phone, if it is safe to do so, and try to stick to your daily routines as much as possible.
- Be mindful of your needs and feelings
If You are Leaving
• Consider the safest ways for you to travel. Know where you’re going. Keep phone numbers in a safe place.
• Check updates from the CDC regularly to know if you are traveling to an area considered to be a “hotspot”.
• Be extra mindful of good hygiene practices.
Resources
Connie Shearer shares her story in regard to Telehealth and suggestions for the pandemic (with the help of the National Domestic Hotline)
- Tips From Survivors
- Technology Safety Tips
- Massachusetts’ list of programs and numbers to call
- Boston Area Rape Crisis Center and how they’re handling COVID-19
- Find a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) and service provider near you
- RAINN’s database of state laws that can help you to understand what rights you have.
This is a very difficult time and we know that many of you feel isolated and unsupported. Please know that help still exists and you are not alone.