This month marks one year since our lives were upended by the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been one year since the terms ‘social distancing’, ‘quarantine’ and ‘pandemic’ became a part of our daily conversations. I remember the exact day that the country went into lockdown, March 16th. Our lives changed overnight, and we had to figure out how to function from the confines of our own homes. Working from home and virtual learning became the norm for many and wearing a mask in public became second nature.
I began my position here at Empire Justice Center, as the Program and Marketing Manager for the Crime Victims Legal Network, just before the start of 2021. I interviewed, onboarded, and continue to work all from my home. I have yet to step foot in our offices or meet any of my colleagues in person. It is strange to think that I have not actually met the team I work closely with every day, but still have cultivated meaningful relationships with virtually.
As a newcomer to CVLN, as well as this realm of legal assistance and advocacy, I was surprised to learn of the devastating impact that the pandemic has had on victims of crime and their families. While working remotely and avoiding public spaces helped reduce the spread of COVID-19, it also meant that many survivors would be forced to shelter in place and be in frequent contact with their abusers. The National Domestic Violence Hotline reported that contact volume at domestic violence hotlines increased by 15% in April 2020. Roughly 10% of calls noted that COVID-19 had impacted their situation. Due to social distancing guidelines, there were reduced numbers of beds in shelters, which compromised survivor’s safety planning. Requests for counseling more than doubled and cases became more complex and challenging.
As victims of crime continue to navigate the effects of the last year, NY Crime Victims Legal Network is here to support those who have been victimized and acknowledge the physical, emotional, and financial impact. We have resources on our website, NY Crime Victims Legal Help, that can educate and help crime victims navigate the complexities of our legal system. From knowing your legal rights as a victim of crime, to finding a legal organization in your area, to a complete step-by-step guide on filing a victim compensation claim, we are here to help. You are not alone. Victims of crime deserve to get the help and support they need, while being treated with respect, dignity, and empathy.
One year later and we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. More and more people are getting vaccinated, and states are opening back up for business. It is comforting to know that despite the pandemic and the tribulations that victims have endured, there is a platform that can help. I hope to bring more awareness to these resources and look forward to being out in the community again, sharing information directly with victims and advocates. As spring nears, we hope that it brings a sense of a new beginning and a fresh start following the hardships of the last year.