SafeHaven
SafeHaven CEO Kathryn Jacob
Amid a worldwide emergency, in which everyone is urged to keep distance from other individuals, danger potentially greater than coronavirus lies at home for victims of domestic violence.
The COVID-19 pandemic that’s steadily tightening its grip over the North Texas region has led to locally mandated closure of non-essential businesses, sent thousands home in precaution, and discouraged frivolous interaction with others.
It’s the perfect environment for abusers to take advantage of their victims, says Kathryn Jacob, CEO of nonprofit SafeHaven.
SafeHaven, the only shelter of its kind in the state for those escaping abusive relationships, aims to establish an alcove for victims away from threats at home — pandemic or not.
“Domestic violence is about power over another person,” Jacob says. “One tool is isolation, so with this idea that we’re kind of being ordered to at this point, it becomes a perfect nesting ground for an abuser.”
As of late last week, Jacob says both Fort Worth and Arlington shelters are at capacity, with a total of about 164 parents and children taking temporary stay as a means of protection. SafeHaven’s crisis hotline has seen notable uptick in usage too, she added.
Medically speaking, coronavirus has not been an issue in the ultra-sanitized facilities. Aside from the occasional case of the flu and miscellaneous ailments, the virus that’s put the entire world on notice has spared these spaces for now. Still, many of those who take stay at the shelters are, physically and emotionally speaking, in “rough shape,” and not because of a virus.
Greater than coronavirus is the domestic threat imposed on the dozens seeking help, Jacob says, a threat with potential to last for far longer than the disease.
“A lot of people ask victims, ‘Why don’t you just leave?’”Jacob says. “In reality, they’re probably trying to, you just don’t know it yet. It’s something that needs to be planned, and something we help do.”
Staff at SafeHaven have labored to meet rising demands due to social distance exploitation. One obstacle faced has been maintaining a positive, routine environment for children in the shelters, which has been made all the more difficult with in-person school canceled for the time-being.
Yet even in these uncertain times, SafeHaven will continue to serve.
“We’ve been trying to explain to our staff that this is a marathon, not a sprint,” Jacob says. “Domestic violence shelters don't get to close. We’re unique in the world of shelters. It’s about saving someone from a violent place, and we have a unique responsibility.”
Top Two Ways to Support SafeHaven of Tarrant County:
1. A Direct Financial Contribution: Many of the needs for SafeHaven include providing shelter beds, hot meals, and direct services. These programs are supported by generous donations from the community. To donate to SafeHaven today visit: https://www.safehaventc.org/support/donate-financially/
2 A Gift of Needed Goods: The women and children seeking shelter at SafeHaven are in need of basic goods including cough syrup and Tylenol to self care products and laundry detergent. The organization is making it easy to donate from home with their Amazon Wish List.
