Jamie Loreth was in an unhealthy relationship when she had a very simple idea: donate pink blankets to women and children leaving similar situations.

“There are so many instances where women flee, taking nothing with them,” says Loreth, who is based in Saskatchewan, and she thought it would be nice for them to have something comforting, something that was their own. “That one thing was theirs to take with them to wherever they would go next… a reminder of the hope they have for a better future and that there are people out there who care and want to help.”

Though Loreth’s pink blanket initiative is still in the beginning stages, Loreth hopes to be able to supply shelters all over North America with pink blankets.

Loreth believes COVID-19 is “like gasoline to a fire when it comes to domestic violence.”

She says, “victims are in situations where they are stuck at home, with no reprieve from their abuser. Being confined, around the clock, in the same place as the abuser is only adding to the aggravations that COVID is presenting.”

As physical distancing guidelines continue to keep most of us in our homes, experts say we’re seeing heightened levels of domestic violence in places where people are isolating. 

For this reason, the Canadian Women’s Foundation (CWF), in partnership with an agency called Juniper Park, has created Signal for Help, a campaign raising awareness about a hand signal those experiencing abuse can use while on video conference calls to alert others that they need help. 

Andrea Gunraj, vice president of public engagement for the CWF, says the campaign is a response to increased levels of violence during the pandemic, but outreach like this is much-needed, regardless. “The sad reality is that, in Canada, this violence was at an epidemic level before the pandemic. Every six days, on average, a woman is killed by her intimate partner. Rates are even higher for women who are vulnerable to multiple forms of discrimination — for example, racialized women, Indigenous women and women with disabilities.”

The rise in violence is concerning but not unexpected, she says, adding that past disasters and outbreaks have led to similar issues. A study from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies examining gender-based violence (GBV) following disasters and outbreaks found that, in some settings, both domestic violence and sexual violence increase following disasters. Disasters can cause or exacerbate poverty, which can lead to negative coping strategies, the report notes. 

Kaitlin Geiger-Bardswich is the communications and development manager for Women’s Shelters Canada, a network of shelters across the country. Generally, she says, calls to shelters are increasing but there are some areas where they’ve dropped off considerably. “Both are concerning,” she says, explaining that some victims might not have the privacy needed to call for help or report abuse because they’re isolated with their abuser. “We’re also hearing that, in some areas, shelters are emptier than usual because women are afraid to leave their homes and move into a communal environment because of COVID.” She says shelters are anticipating a surge in demand once physical distancing restrictions loosen. 

The pandemic is exacerbating the problem for several reasons, Geiger-Bardswich says. Those who were considering leaving an abusive relationship might not be able to now, because their partner is not going to work, giving them a window of time to safely leave. Parents might also be reluctant to move to a communal living situation such as a shelter during COVID-19.  

Stress levels are higher, which can cause abusers to lash out.  Many are losing their jobs and feeling generally out of control, and studies show domestic violence is all about control. 

And importantly, victims have less access to support networks, like friends or colleagues, than they did before physical distancing. 

Victims have less access to support networks, like friends or colleagues, than they did before physical distancing. 

Gunraj says the Signal for Help campaign also aims to raise awareness of the often-hidden problem of domestic violence in Canada. “We’re dealing with two pandemics here, and they are both public health problems that lead to great suffering and loss of life, but we’re hearing more about one and continue to be quite silent about the other,” Gunraj says. “We want to help change this and that’s a goal of Signal for Help.”

Since the launch of Signal for Help, Gunraj says she has seen some increased awareness of the issue, thanks to social media and press coverage. “That’s a great thing,” she says. “The first step to changing a problem is awareness of the problem.” 

She says the hand signal is not meant as a perfect solution for those experiencing violence — it’s meant more as a way to build virtual networks of support to signal to victims that they’re not alone.

“I think sharing the news about this signal does more for those of us who want to be safe allies and supporters to people in our lives who are at risk of abuse,” Gunraj says. “It helps us remember this issue and encourages us to be proactive people, telling our friends, family, and coworkers that we’re here for them, that we’ll believe them, that we’ll help them do whatever they need us to do to get help, and they don’t have to be silent or ashamed of what’s happening to them.”

If someone sees another individual use the hand signal, Gunraj says there are a few different things they can do: “Check in with the person safely to find out what they need and want you to do,” she says. That could mean reaching out by phone and asking yes/no questions, so the person doesn’t have to be worried if their abuser is within listening distance. It could also be a message to say, “I’m here, reach me when you can,” so that person knows the other person is there for them. 

She also says it’s important for allies to be aware of local services and resources, so they’re equipped if someone experiencing abuse does reach out to them.

“Most of these services are open, even in the pandemic, and have lots of thoughtful, safe ways to get in touch with people who need them,” she says. “Abusers might try to tell someone they have nowhere to go and have to deal with it alone, but that’s a lie and we all can help prove otherwise.”

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