The City of West Hollywood understands that the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is changing life for everyone. While California is under Safer at Home orders, people may be experiencing high levels of anxiety and stress, and community members may also be experiencing domestic violence.
Partner abuse is never okay. There are people standing by to help, especially during this health crisis:
- If you can do so safely, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522 for 24/7 help in English or Spanish;
- If you can’t call safely, visit www.TheHotline.org to learn how to create a safety plan or get immediate help with the 24/7 “Chat Now” feature;
- The Los Angeles County Domestic Violence Safety Plan Hotline is available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day by calling (800) 978-3600;
- The West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station is available 24/7 by calling (310) 855-8850; and
- Call 911 if you or the person you are helping is in immediate danger.
“It’s important to learn the signs of domestic violence. It’s also really important to know what to do when you see or experience it,” says City of West Hollywood Mayor John D’Amico. “Abuse of a partner or housemate can escalate over a period of time. It can also escalate during times of stress and anxiety — such as during current ‘Safer At Home’ orders during the coronavirus crisis. If you are witnessing or experiencing domestic violence, please know that you are not alone and there is 24/7 help available.”
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence offers a website area with comprehensive information about warning signs of domestic violence and abuse:https://ncadv.org/signs-of-abuse.
