CARBONDALE (WSIL) -- Due to Illinois residents being ordered to stay at home amid the COVID-19 pandemic, opportunity for an environment creating domestic violence could go unchecked.
Coordinator at , Andrea Stephens, says people losing their jobs and being in confined spaces with the same individuals can lead to emotional stress
This gives little opportunity for domestic violence survivors to put space between them and their abusers.
"[It] increases the likelihood of more events happening, higher types of violence happening, more critical times, and so it's definitely a safety issue for anyone that's in a domestic violence relationship. If we do become full because of the heighten need for our services, we may need to look into special funding to help someone get a few nights in a hotel - in order to get to safety and figure out where they're going to go," says Stephens.
The Women's Center is an essential service - granting the organization exemption from the stay-at-home order.
It serves men and women who are victims of domestic violence and sexual violence in Franklin, Jackson, Johnson, Perry, Saline, Williamson, Union, and Gallatin Counties.
Those who feel unsafe, or become unsafe, are encouraged to leave and seek safety.
