“We saw an increase as soon as it took affect,” Baxter said. “When we look at isolation or control patterns, and someone finds themselves being ordered to separate from work and children are asked to stay home from school, for people that are already isolated there is a potential for increased incidents of violence.”
Baxter said one survivor told her once the governor’s took affect, she was unsure which situation would be more dangerous — continue to work and go out into the community, or stay at home.
“She had called a couple of different times and asked what would it be like to stay at a shelter during this unsure time,” Baxter said.
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Valerie Lough, spokesperson for the City of Springfield, said the number of calls the Springfield Police Divison has responded to about domestic violence has fluctuated over the last couple of months.
In February, police responded to 46 domestic violence calls. In March, that number jumped to 63 calls. As of April 28, the division has responded to 52 calls, according to SPD’s data.
“It’s difficult to know why domestic violence calls fluctuate. The men and women of the Springfield Police Division take each call seriously, and remain focused on serving our neighborhoods” Lough said. “We are deeply grateful to Project Woman and all community partners, for what they do to help families and neighborhoods thrive.”
As a result of the increased need, Baxter said Project Woman has “ramped up,” operations by implementing additional safety measures and health screenings for survivors.
“We want to assure our community that Project Woman is open and here to support victims and families,” Baxter said. “Our staff is working overtime making sure that people in crisis have our resources available to them.”
In addition to providing essential placement services and counseling, Baxter said the Project Woman staff members have also been assisting families with making sure they have enough supplies once they have been placed in emergency shelter.
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“A few months ago I could not imagine my daily priorities would include finding enough toilet paper, disinfectant, diapers, and milk for our families,” Baxter said. “But we carry on because the need is so great and our services are too essential.”
Some items have been easier to come by than others, Baxter said, as Project Woman relies on thrift stores like Goodwill for clothing for survivors.
“That was something we didn’t expect,” Baxter said. “When a survivor and their family come to us sometimes they have nothing. So we have had to come up with new solutions for that like buying online.”
Project Woman does accept donations for residents who would like to assist victims. New and packaged clothing, like causal tops, sweatpants and leggings can be dropped off during business hours on Fridays at 525 E. Home Rd, Springfield, or in advance by appointment with staff if needed. Check out the agency's website, projectwomanohio.org, for more information on how to help.
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