Camden County Braces For Increase In Domestic Violence

CAMDEN COUNTY, NJ — As new cases of new coronavirus are reported every day, Gov. Phil Murphy on Wednesday said he doesn’t expect changes to his stay-at-home order any time soon.

The goal of the order is to prevent the further spread of the virus, but domestic abuse victims who are forced to stay at home are being put in a dangerous situation, Acting Camden County Prosecutor Jill S. Mayer said.

“For victims, being forced to stay inside with an abusive spouse, partner, family member or friend can lead to potentially dangerous situations and can make them feel trapped,” Mayer said. “We want victims to know they’re not stuck and there is still help available.”

The Camden County Women’s Center and Services Empowering Rights of Victims are still operating 24-hour hotlines and are accepting victims at safe houses, Mayer said. Other resources include virtual support groups, phone counseling and more.

New Jersey Coronavirus Updates: Don't miss local and statewide announcements about novel coronavirus precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.

The New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence has put together a list of resources, from the National Domestic Violence Hotline’s Deaf Videophone to a texting option for someone who can’t safely make a phone call.

The lobbies of local police departments also remain open for anyone who needs to file a restraining order. Police can help guide victims through the process.

These are some of the domestic violence resources available:

• Camden County Women’s Center
• 24/7 Hotline: 856-227-1234
• Services Empowering Rights of Victims
• 24-hour Hotline: 1-866-296-SERV (7378)
• Website chat box
• Email: serv@centerffs.org
• NJ Coalition to End Domestic Violence
• National Domestic Violence Hotline
• 1-800-572-SAFE (7233)
• Text LOVEIS to 22522
• Deaf Video Phone: 1-855-812-1001
• Deaf Text Telephone: 1-800-787-3224
• Website live chat

Anyone who is in immediate danger should call 911.

See related: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know