(KNSI) – With many Minnesotans already living paycheck to paycheck, the recent economic downturn due to the COVID-19 pandemic can be adding fuel to what could already be a low simmering fire.
According to a poll from Harris Interactive, money is one of the top things couples fight about the most. A lack of savings and unexpected expenses now that people are missing paychecks can make for an explosive situation or make an already bad domestic violence situation worse.
Dr. Scott Palmer, Director of Clara’s House Partial Hospital Programs and Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic Services at CentraCare, says economic stress certainly adds to pressures families face. He says the longer the economic downturn lasts; pressures will mount and “absolutely will contribute” to stress between couples and families.
Dr. Palmer recommends that if stress and anxiety are becoming problematic, seek out guidance and help from area mental health experts. If you can’t make it to an office visit, or you’re afraid, CentraCare also offers telehealth services through a phone call or video chat. “Most of us are connected now with video visits and if you don’t have those capabilities, give us a call and we can talk through the phone,” says Dr. Palmer. He adds that if you feel on edge, “Take action sooner than later before mistakes start getting made. When our anxiety gets high, we sometimes don’t always think real clearly, and when we’re not thinking clearly, and the pressures are mounting, we sometimes say or do things that we regret later.”
Meanwhile, now that the governor’s stay at home order is in effect and may be extended, many in recurring or new domestic abuse situations are left to wonder, “can I leave?” St. Cloud Assistant Police Chief Jeffrey Oxton explains that the stay at home order does allow for someone to leave their home for safety’s sake.
“There is an exception in the governor’s order which says if you’re not safe, you don’t have to be at home, or you don’t have to stay at that location. Getting out and getting away is just fine in those circumstances.”
Oxton says the good news is they haven’t seen any significant changes in domestic assault calls at this point.
“We haven’t noticed any changes with getting called to anymore, or any less domestic-related calls since all the COVID-19 has kind of come about. Right now, it’s something we’re continuing to track and monitor. I think some other places, Minneapolis was reporting they’d seen some increase while other places had reported they hadn’t. And again, we have not, but we’ll keep watching to make sure we know what is going on.”
Sandy Nadeau is the Director of Development and Communications for Anna Marie’s Alliance, which is a St. Cloud-based non-profit providing safe shelter, support, and referral services for battered women and their children.
Nadeau says as of right now, they haven’t seen an increase in calls for help, but if they look to organizations on the coast, a rise could be expected as the COVID-19 situation progresses.
“If you’re being isolated, the isolation makes things worse. When you’re isolated, you lose contact with everything and everyone, and you lose your sense of what is normal, so it’s more important that you talk to an advocate.”
Advocates are standing by, Nadeau says, “advocates will help you, they will listen to you, and they will help you prepare.”
If you need help, you can contact an Anna Marie’s Alliance advocate at 320-253-6900 or 1-800-950-2203. The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-7233, by texting LOVEIS to 22522 or chat by clicking here.
FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!
FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!