The onset of winter and COVID-19’s second wave may mean new measures that will leave us isolated at home more often, locked up inside with our partners and families.
Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers urges anyone who knows someone who’s a victim of domestic abuse, to call Crime Stoppers anonymously and provide information.
The isolation from COVID-19 is already becoming accepted globally as a factor in increased mental health problems and domestic violence being reported this year. These problems existed before, but isolation provides the kind of conditions that can allow them to grow unchecked.
“We’re being asked to gather in even smaller groups this winter and that means most of us will be in touch less and less with others,” says Linda Annis, Executive Director of Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers. “Under these conditions, there’s an increased potential for domestic violence to remain behind closed doors and invisible. It’s important to stay in touch with friends and family this winter and be especially vigilant. An anonymous call to Crime Stoppers means the information will make its way to someone who can investigate.”
Do you know a victim of domestic violence? Some common signs that someone may be abused at home:
• Their partner may be jealous, possessive, or excessively controlling
• Their partner may insult them in front others
• They constantly worry about making their partner angry
• They make excuses for their partner’s behaviour
• They have unexplained marks or injuries
• A noticeable change in normal behaviour; no longer spend time with friends and family.
Anonymous tips may be provided though Crime Stoppers’ downloadable “P3” app for Apple and Android phones, calling Crime Stoppers at 1-855-448-8477 (new number) or 1-800-222- 8477, online at solvecrime.ca,or by following the link on the Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers Facebook page.
