As Maricopa County residents join the rest of the state following the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected” order, it’s essential that we continue to support one another. For many, spending more time at home is an opportunity to enjoy family and focus on their safety, health and wellness. However, not everyone is safe at home. For an abuser, isolation is one of the strongest tactics he or she can use to exert control over someone. In a time when it’s encouraged to shelter in place, an abuser can take advantage of this stressful situation to be even more controlling.

It’s important that during this time we continue to provide support and build community around victims and survivors of domestic violence. While physical distancing is encouraged, it does not mean virtual isolation. Check in with your neighbors, coworkers, friends and family and stay connected with them frequently. Make sure to ask questions, listen, and pay attention to warning signs including:

• A partner withholding necessary items such as food, water, medication and disinfectants
• Lack of control over finances, transportation, or being unable to purchase necessary items
• A partner preventing them, their kids or pets from seeking medical attention if they need it
• Not having access to their phone, computer or being able to go outside
• Demeaning and irrational behavior towards them, their kids, or pets

Everyone deserves to feel safe at home and we can all play a part in helping them do so. For more information on domestic violence visit MaricopaCountyAttorney.org/DV.

To learn how you can help a loved one or get help yourself call the National Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7, free and confidential) at 1-800-799-7233, text LOVEIS to 22522 or chat with an advocate online at TheHotline.org.

For other support and resources visit:

• The National Sexual Assault Hotline (24/7, free and confidential) at 800-656-4673 (HOPE) or through chat at hotline.rainn.org
• The Strong Hearts Native Helpline(7 am-10 pm, free, confidential), specifically for Native American communities at 1-844-762-8483 or online at StrongHeartsHelpline.org
• The Trans Lifeline providing peer support for the trans community at 1-877-565-8860 or online at TransLifeline.org
• The National Parent Helpline at 1-855-427-2736 or online at NationalParentHelpline.org