Rates of domestic violence are increasing during the pandemic — here’s what the Canadian Women’s Foundation is doing to help

Creating virtual support networks for victims

Why It Matters

While rates of domestic violence are going up as isolation continues, experts say they were epidemic-level even before the pandemic. Victims are in need of stronger support networks, especially easily-accessed virtual networks, to help break the cycle.

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 ga

Join a community of 2000+ impact-oriented professionals like you. Get full access to this story and all Future of Good content, including tickets to our digital events and networking, with a membership.