Phoenix Gives $1 Million In COVID-19 Relief To Domestic Violence Shelters
New data supports what police and social service agencies have been saying: domestic violence has increased since COVID-19.
In Phoenix, dispatched calls for domestic violence between February and May increased more than 10% compared to the same time last year. Arrests are up as much as 27%.
On Tuesday, the council approved more than $1 million in federal emergency funds to support groups that work with survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking.
“Access to a safer and cleaner environment not only is going to allow our clients and our staff and our participants to feel more at ease, but also just allow them to know that we truly care for their safety and we really want to put every effort out there that they feel protected and they feel that we have their best interest,” said Gerardo Pena with Chicanos Por La Causa. “
Patricia Klahr oversees Chrysalis which has four buildings that provide emergency shelter and transitional housing. She told the council the money will help them provide clean, healthy environments.
“And not that we don’t now, but just to be able to do it in a very deliberate way and mindful way, and be prepared that if this happens again, which we need to be prepared for that that we have it all ready,” she said.
The council also approved $75,000 for a pilot program to add ten locations across the city where people can connect virtually with municipal court to seek orders of protection and participate in hearings.
