The way they provide services may have changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Delta police Victim Services are still reaching out and helping those in crisis.
Coordinator Kim Gramlich said there is no face-to-face contact with any of their clients, and court attendance has dropped off, which is both unusual for the volunteer-based group.
“That is all such an important part of our work, but we are doing all of this work over the phone,” said Gramlich. “We can email information to people, as well as mail out resources if needed, but a large part of our work has been over the phone so that is unchanged.”
Gramlich said they are seeing some changes in the types of calls they are dealing with.
“We are seeing familiar violence increasing, so that could be any members of the family,” she said. “Overall people have increased anxiety, more so with youth. We have made it a standard question to ask our clients about the impacts COVID-19 is having on them, so I would say a tremendous amount of our conversation is about that. We are hearing about job loss, housing challenges, boredom, which is a challenge for many, especially with school-aged children. People are missing their family members and this can be detrimental when you are worried about a parent or the elderly when you can’t see them and have that regular connection. Many feel helpless wishing they can do more.”
She said sudden deaths are even more challenging at this time as people cannot hold a regular funeral service or celebration of life.
“That is equally difficult for folks. Sudden deaths does not change, we always deal with those, but your family can’t be there, can’t fly in from out of country to come to a funeral or to support you,” she said.
Gramlich said anyone can reach out for help if you are feeling:
- Helplessness or hopelessness
- Difficulty managing your emotions or anxiety
- An inability to focus on daily activities due to negative thoughts or worries
- You need help resourcing out how/where to get help for your specific needs.
You can call 604-940-5019 or contact the crisis line at 604-872-3311.
“We are seeing resiliency as well and lots of positive comments about people saying we are all in this together and to be patient and kind with one another,” she said. “It’s really lovely to hear. We also are really encouraging people to practice self-care. Practice social distancing, engage with people you know on-line, your friends, get fresh air, go for walks and get lots of exercise…on-line classes, read a book, take on some household projects, listen to music and be grateful for the positive things in life even though things are really challenging right now.”
