Don’t forget: Survivors of domestic violence can leave their homes for safety reasons during safer-at-home policy

Even during the safer-at-home policy, survivors of domestic violence can leave their homes in order to call, text or chat for support, or to find temporary safe housing.

“The health and safety of Coloradans is our top priority, and everyone who needs to leave their home to stay safe can and should do so. That may mean you leave to make a phone call or find temporary housing,” said Michelle Barnes, executive director of the Colorado Department of Human Services.

“We know that people who perpetrate violence in their relationship may use misinformation and lies to control their partners and create fear. It is acceptable to leave your home — and to take any dependents like children or parents with you — in order to ask for help or escape violence.”

The National Domestic Violence Hotline — 800-799-7233 — can connect people to their local, free and confidential domestic violence service provider. Support is available 24/7 in more than 200 languages. Survivors of domestic violence who cannot make a phone call can text loveis (capitalization does not matter) to 22522 or visit thehotline.org to chat with an advocate. During an emergency situation, survivors should call 911.

“Throughout the COVID19 response, essential services are available,” Barnes says. “That includes crisis intervention, advocacy, financial assistance and emergency shelter. Domestic violence service providers are using physical distancing practices to reduce the spread of coronavirus.”

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