It is difficult to find an area in the community that is not affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Southwest Crisis Services feels one area of grave concern it the safety of women and children dealing with domestic violence.

With the government’s mandate of self-isolation combined with potential job loss, an already stressful environment can suddenly become worse.

Heather Lennox, Executive Director for Swift Current area women’s shelter echoes the statement made by the YMCA in Regina. She explains,

"People being isolated means they're spending much more time together and being laid off work or reducing regular activities creates a general overall feeling of anxiety, and we feel this could contribute to tension in the household and incidents of domestic violence."

Lennox adds that it is normally challenging for women to safely plan an exit strategy, let alone during a health crisis.

Often, shelters are typically full or finding alternate space can be equally difficult.  In response, the YMCA and Transition House in Regina have created self-isolation rooms to be used for clients who may be showing symptoms of COVID-19.

The Southwest Crisis Services is doing its best to provide a safe environment as well; however, the ability to safely self-isolate is limited.

Lennox is restricting visitor access, adjusting the outreach programs and increasing cleaning practices to reduce the risk of virus transmission for clients, volunteers, and staff.

Like many front-line workers, shelter staff and volunteers need protective equipment and cleaning supplies to keep everyone safe. 

The executive director of Southwest Crisis Service is grateful for the provincial government’s assistance in trying to provide protective equipment such as gloves, gowns, facemasks and eye gear.  If the public has any spare supplies to donate, it would be greatly appreciated.

Other restrictions in place include not accepting any physical donations as a preventative measure to avoid unnecessary contact with the public.

Above every other concern, Lennox emphasizes is that women will not seek out help. She does not want to see people waiting to get help until the health crisis is over.  Help is still available over the phone, such as safety planning and risk assessment.

The Southwest Crisis center wants to ensure those at risk know that services are still available from the outreach program to sexual assault support and the 24 /7 crisis hotline at 1-800-567-3334.