News reports are telling a story about an uptick in domestic violence because families are confined in closed quarters for long periods of time during the COVID-19 lock-downs across the world. A tendency toward abusive behavior is further complicated by economic insecurity, lack of food, and generalized fear. There is help available, please see below for resources.

Photographer and BSA contributor Lluis Olive Bulbena sends a dispatch from Barcelona’s Plaza de las 3 Xemeneies where a group of 13 artists were selected from 30 submissions to paint a graffiti jam to highlight the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Organized by @Wallspot.

From the Healthline website:

Mental health support

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

• Call 911 or your local emergency services number.
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
• Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
• Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.

Resources for finding a therapist

• American Psychiatric Association: Find a Psychiatrist
• American Psychological Association: Psychologist Locator
• Anxiety and Depression Association of America: Find a Therapist
• Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance: Find a Pro
• International OCD Foundation: Find Help
• SAMHSA: Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator

Where to go for help

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: Resources for all survivors; 24/7 hotline at 800-799-7233 and 800-787-3224 (TTY)
• National Sexual Assault Hotline: Resources for all survivors of sexual assault; live chat online and 24/7 helpline at 800-656-4673
• Office on Women’s Health: Resources by state; call the helpline at 800-994-9662 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday
• Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN): Resources for abuse and sexual assault survivors; 24/7 hotline at 800-656-HOPE
• Anti-Violence Project: Specialized resources for LGBTQIA+ and HIV-positive survivors; 24/7 hotline at 212-714-1141
• Crisis Text Line: 24/7 text chat line for individuals in crisis in the United States and Canada; text HOME to 741741

Recover from Financial Abuse

“Unfortunately, financial abuse occurs in 99% of all domestic abuse cases, and the effects can negatively impact survivors for years after they escape,” says Nina Humphry at Bankrate. Below is an article that focuses on “rebuilding finances after escaping an abusive relationship, providing tips on budgeting, building credit, and getting back into the workforce.”

Here’s the link to the guide:

https://www.bankrate.com/personal-finance/rebuild-finances-after-financial-abuse/