Domestic Abuse and Violence Safety Tips During COVID-19

With the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the nation, many cities and counties all across the United States have instituted a stay at home order to hopefully slow the spread of the coronavirus. The New York Times reports that at least 316 million people in the United States are being urged to stay home and in recent weeks. Those who are obeying stay at home orders is now accounting for 95 percent of the population. Every day, different news is released about the coronavirus, and although some states are beginning to open back up. There is no way to predict when these stay-at-home orders will end.

For many people, staying home during COVID-19 is a change in routine that is challenging. But for those who experience violence and abuse at home, the mandate to stay at home can be incredibly dangerous and even life-threatening.

The Silent Beacon panic button can be the perfect safety device to help those who are suffering from domestic violence.

According to the CDC, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience physical violence by their intimate partner at some point during their lifetimes. In addition, over 43 million women and 38 million men have experienced psychological aggression by an intimate partner in their lifetime. These statistics are frightening and shocking. Today, with these mandated stay-at-home orders, domestic violence safety becomes an even bigger need. With no escape in sight and few opportunities for victims to free themselves from their abuser. Domestic abuse hotlines around the world have seen an increase in distressed calls and messages during the pandemic.

According to the Washington Post, Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, banned the sale of alcohol following a surge in reports of violence in homes.

In Tunisia, during the first five days after the stay-at-home orders, calls to an abuse hotline for women have increased fivefold. In France, the government has set up centers in grocery stores with secret passwords where victims can seek help if need be. Domestic violence reports in Spain have jumped 18 percent. And a state-run hotline website has seen a 270-percent increase. Clearly, domestic violence is an intense issue amongst the coronavirus pandemic. And is something that needs awareness and attention.

Many charities and organizations have had to cut down services or even close as economies spiral and businesses. They are unable to remain afloat in these trying times. Now victims of domestic abuse are facing a double threat. Those are a virus outside, and an abuser inside. Victims of domestic abuse may not feel safe asking for help by phone or text with their abuser so close to them inside their own home. Because of this fear and panic, the Silent Beacon is the perfect safety device. It saves domestic violence victims to have on hand during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Silent Beacon safety device is the perfect wearable device for any emergency situation. The unique panic button calls any number including 911 while sending multiple people your live GPS location. Different emergencies require different responses. Silent Beacon allows you to customize who you call for help, whether that’s 911, emergency services, a family member or friend, or even phone numbers overseas.

In addition, the Silent Beacon patented technology enables you to receive alerts on your Silent Beacon in case you can’t hear or get to your phone. This feature also allows for two or more Silent Beacons to communicate directly with each other in an emergency. Water-resistant, UL-certified fire-retardant plastic with a reinforced keychain area keeps the device sturdy and safe. While curved indented buttons help reduce false alerts. Silent Beacon is easy to use for any age and in any situation.

In a frightening or precarious domestic violence situation, Silent Beacon’s Silent Mode can be a lifeline. With Silent Mode, you are able to disable your LED lights and audio. So that you can to silently notify your emergency contacts without revealing that you’ve activated the Silent Beacon. When calling for help in silent mode, your voice can be heard through the Beacon, but your contact’s sound will be muted. This can help you stay safe during a dangerous situation. And keep the abuser from knowing an emergency call has been placed. In times of uncertainty and unpredictability, domestic violence can surge. Along with the Silent Beacon, here are some domestic violence prevention tips on how to stay safe even during a worldwide virus.

• Utilize 24/7 Online Chat Services:

There are several full-service hotlines out there. The one from the National Domestic Violence Hotline explains that this Hotline provides lifesaving tools and immediate support to empower victims and survivors to find safety and live free of abuse. With these chat services, you can learn about safety tips for domestic violence victims. And how to provide support to friends and family members.

• Seek Help from a Domestic Violence Shelter (While Maintaining Social Distancing Practices) :

While most public places are closed like schools and restaurants, many domestic violence shelters remain open. In cases of emergency, don’t fear driving to one to keep yourself safe.

• Domestic Violence Safety Plan an Easy Escape Route:

Create a domestic violence safety plan in advance. And be sure to think about a straightforward escape route to exit as quickly and safely as possible in an emergency situation

With these continuing stay-at-home orders during COVID-19, it is so important to know how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe from domestic violence attacks. Stay safe and take care of your loved ones. To learn more about the Silent Beacon safety device and other coronavirus safety tips visit www.SilentBeacon.com.