Ohio Politician Calls For Support For Domestic Violence Shelters

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — Cleveland Heights' state representative Janine Boyd is urging Gov. Mike DeWine to increase resources to domestic violence shelters during the new coronavirus outbreak. There has been an increase in calls to domestic violence shelters since the outbreak began.

"“Even in a pandemic, victims of domestic violence are not safe at home. Home for victims is not synonymous with shelter. As we consider the dangers of the COVID-19 virus, we must remember that while the stay-at-home order is meant to save lives, it may put victims of domestic violence at greater risk," Boyd said in a statement.

Boyd said some domestic violence shelters have reported an increase of 30 percent in their calls. Other shelters have resorted to using hotels to host more people, Boyd said. The state representative urged DeWine and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost to improve support for domestic violence targets.

"We must give them the tools to find safe shelter — free of abuse and absent of disease, with workers who are equipped with protections for themselves and for victims. That is why I’m asking the governor, his cabinet and the attorney general to accommodate the following three requests made to me by Ohio’s Domestic Violence Network,” said Boyd.

1. Name domestic violence shelter workers essential. Boyd said this would allow workers to receive child care under the temporary pandemic child care license requirements. It would also improve staffing levels for shelters.
2. Give personal protective equipment (PPE) to shelters. Workers at domestic violence shelters are at risk of contracting COVID-19 because they interact directly with victims and shelter partners, like law enforcement.
3. Add domestic violence resources to state's COVID-19 website.

“The pandemic has put survivors who are experiencing violence at home in a terrible place. They must choose between staying home and continuing to live in fear OR moving to a shelter where they may put their health and the health of their children at risk. No one should have to face such a terrible choice. Ohio’s 75 domestic violence programs are open for business," said Mary O’Doherty, executive director at the Ohio Domestic Violence Center.