Project Safe for BTS

A word on this week’s blog:

This blog is brought to you by Danielle Laino, an intern at Project Safe which is a non-profit here in Athens that works to end domestic violence. Given how COVID-19 has impacted victims of domestic violence through stay-at-home orders, Danielle discusses how Project Safe’s services to fight domestic violence have been updated to comply with health guidelines and better protect survivors’ safety during the pandemic.

Danielle Laino, Direct Service Intern

Project Safe, Inc. 

Social isolation is one of the most common tactics abusers use to distance their victims from friends and family. Throughout the stay-at-home orders during the last year, people experiencing domestic violence were particularly vulnerable.  While the stay-at-home orders protected people from disease, they also increased the risk of danger for victims of domestic violence. These orders made it difficult for people to leave abusive situations or seek help. The struggle has been felt not just in Athens, but across the world.

The United Nations (UN) called on countries to prioritize survivors’ safety during COVID-19 by increasing investment in online services and organizations.  Project Safe took this call from the UN to heart and found ways to provide services to accommodate the challenges people faced during the pandemic.  Project Safe is a non-profit organization in Athens, GA that believes everyone deserves to be safe in their homes and their relationships.

Project Safe’s mission to end domestic violence has not changed, but services have been adjusted to keep volunteers, clients, and staff safe and comply with CDC recommendations and the UN's call to prioritize survivors' safety. 

The Project Safe Hotline and Breaking Silence Teen Textline services have been available 24/7 and answered by trained domestic violence advocates throughout the pandemic. Project Safe’s Breaking Silence Initiative helps teens and young adults recognize and avoid unhealthy relationships by providing texting support, information about relationships, and referrals to counseling or outreach assistance. During the pandemic, the Textline has been transformed into a universal resource for all survivors to access Project Safe services. Both the Hotline and Textline services can be utilized for placement in confidential shelter, setting up appointments with the outreach office, or gathering information about abusive relationships and community resources that may be available.

At the Outreach Office, Project Safe offers secure phone and HIPAA-compliant video appointments. Someone might need the Outreach Office to access support groups, counseling resources, assistance in obtaining temporary protective orders (TPOs), and other forms of financial and legal advocacy services to survivors of domestic violence. If someone chooses to come in person, the process looks a little different than before. The staff on-site are reduced and follow CDC recommendations, which includes extra cleaning between clients and having conversations about staying safe during the current pandemic.