By L. Parsons As services become limited due to the COVID-19 response, Alice’s Place in Winslow has continued to provide services as an essential part of community support. A recent report released by the World Health Organization states, “Violence against women tends to increase during every type of emergency, including epidemics. Although data is scarce, reports from many countries including the United States suggest an increase in domestic violence cases since the COVID-19 outbreak began.” Executive Director Theresa Warren added, “We have seen an increase of calls pertaining to people needing to find resources and sometimes just reassurance we are here. The number of calls specifically for shelter have actually decreased. I believe this is due to people being more afraid of the virus than their abusers at this time, especially those with children and especially in our area that has been hit so hard with COVID-19.” Alice’s Place serves all of Navajo County, including parts of the Navajo Nation. The organization does have a shelter on the reservation that is still receiving calls as well. The employees of Alice’s Place, called victim advocates, are making sure resources are available. They continue to provide lay legal advocacy and have attended many court proceedings through technology and social distancing. They also respond to crisis calls on a 24-hour basis and are in shelters with victims making sure they have everything they need to move forward in their cases and their lives. Services are also still being offered by the Navajo County Victim’s Services Office. Their focus is interviewing victims of domestic and sexual violence as well as providing support throughout the judicial process. Director Roxanne Perguson explained that while calls may not have increased drastically in the area, they are still coming in. “From a crisis perspective we have received three calls on domestic violence crisis cases, which we don’t get involved with until after law enforcement contact. One we handled in person and two we helped over the phone, as we are limiting our direct face-to-face contact with victims. I am not sure that is an abnormal number, however as domestic violence numbers are always our highest.” Perguson added, “There are a few other factors that might impact statistics for us. Right now, arrests are down as police try to limit their own possible exposure and the jail has to take precautions on who they allow into the facility.” Alice’s Place advocates, however, are involved in domestic violence calls often before law enforcement is and are putting their health at risk each time they respond. Both Perguson and Warren are concerned that the amount of calls for service will increase as stay at home orders are lifted. Warren said, “I don’t think our lack of calls right now is an indication of less violence out there. I anticipate a sharp increase in these numbers once the okay is given to start getting back out.” Perguson agreed, “I see an increase in violent crime across the board right now and we will see an increase in calls for resources for domestic violence victims.” Alice’s Place is a non-profit and relies on donations from our communities, sales in the thrift store, as well as grants. “Recently, due to this virus, we have had to close our store and cancel our spring fundraiser. Thankfully, we have received a donation recently from Arizona Women’s Partnership, Inc. of $3,000. This organization has provided funding for us for several years to assist with our 24-hour crisis hotline. This year the funding was increased and believe me, it has been a true blessing,” stated Warren. Arizona Women’s Partnership, Inc. is a non-profit organization that helps provide funding for grass roots charities that assist underserved women and children in Arizona. Alice’s continues to need donations as well. Monetary donations can be made at www.alicesplace.org. Commodity donations are being accepted as well for use in shelters. Warren explained, “For shelters, we are in need of everything needed to run a household. Toilet paper, hygiene items, non-perishable or frozen food, cleaning supplies. I realize these items are difficult to obtain but for those who have extra, it would be a great donation for shelter.” To arrange a donation pick-up, contact Warren at 289-3003. “We are asking for people to arrange a pickup because our store is closed and we do not want people just leaving things on the sidewalk.” If you or someone you know is in an abusive situation during the COVID-19 outbreak or any other time, the Alice’s Place hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (928) 289-3003. The Navajo County Victim’s Services Office can be reached by telephone at (928) 524-5933.
