By Ashley M. Casey
Associate Editor
Since the novel coronavirus pandemic descended, it seems as though the world has come to a halt. Unfortunately, just because schools and businesses have stopped does not mean domestic or sexual violence will stop, too.
“Being in close quarters and not being able to get away from your abuser must be so scary and frightening,” said Chris Benton, director of marketing and communications for Vera House. “Your home should be your safe haven, a place you where you can go at be at peace, but for some people that’s not the case.”
Vera House, which serves people affected by domestic and sexual violence, has modified its practices to comply with social distancing the COVID-19 crisis requires while still providing essential services to its clients.
“We’re still up and running, but it does look different,” Benton said. “Our therapists and advocates are pretty much working remotely for the time being. We’re putting a process in place right now where people can talk to therapists through Zoom or perhaps a telephone call.”
Donate to Vera House
While many of us are worried about running out of toilet paper or soap, Vera House’s shelter for victims of domestic violence is in need of supplies too.
“We know that there’s certain essentials that everybody is trying to get right now but we have a real shortage in our shelter,” said Chris Benton, director of marketing and communications for Vera House. “Given that these are uncertain times, any sort of donation supporting our services going forward would be appreciated.”
The shelter is in urgent need of:
• Facemasks
• Bleach
• Disinfecting wipes
• Hand sanitizer
• No-touch thermometers
• Alcohol wipes
• Paper towels
• Toilet paper
Other useful items include:
• Soap
• Shampoo/conditioner (including products for African American hair)
• Toothpaste
• Lotion
Donations can be dropped off at the Vera House offices located at 723 James St., Syracuse, Monday through Friday. Please call ahead at 315-425-0818 and staff will come outside to collect the items.
Visit verahouse.org to make a financial contribution.
Vera House’s shelter remains open for people escaping abusive situations, and the agency’s main office at 723 James St. in Syracuse has limited staff in place.
“If we do have a walk-in situation where someone walks in and requests help we have people there to help,” Benton said. “Right now, it’s business as usual at shelter, and it’s all hands on deck.”
Since schools are closed, prevention educators cannot give their usual presentations. So, they are filling in the gaps by taking crisis calls, Benton said.
The volunteer program at Vera House has been put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic. With courts shuttered, Family Court volunteers cannot accompany people to obtain orders of protection; training sessions have been canceled; sexual assault volunteer advocates cannot visit hospitals to offer support.
“We don’t want to put any of our volunteers in harm’s way, so all of our volunteer programming is stopped for the time being,” Benton said.
Vera House is working to provide remote services for sexual assault call-outs so advocates can talk to victims on the phone or do video conference calls as they go through exams at the hospital or interviews with law enforcement.
“Survivors and victims themselves I would think feel a little bit isolated, and we feel isolated too not being able to offer that companionship and support. We want to reiterate that Vera House is here,” Benton said.
The COVID-19 crisis is an especially challenging time for seniors, Benton said, who are at greater risk of serious illness and may be suffering in isolation. She encouraged people to check on their older relatives and neighbors.
“Just being there and listening and offering a hand is so important right now even if you can’t physically offer a hand,” she said.
Vera House’s 24-hour support and information line is open to anyone who is struggling. Call 315-468-3260.
Editor’s note: Ashley Casey is a sexual assault volunteer advocate for Vera House.
