05/12/2020- Wisconsinites have been staying in for nearly two months now, but for some “Safer at Home,” is anything but. It’s a challenging and downright frightening situation for victims of domestic violence who may have found themselves stripped of any opportunity to get out of the house and away from their abuser and advocates at the Rainbow House in Marinette say they’re concerned the lockdown could result in a spike of domestic violence homicides statewide. Courtney Olson is the agency’s Executive Director says they’re still open and ready to assist those facing abuse.
Olson says maintaining regular contact with loved ones during the stay home orders is important, especially if any of them have a history of violent relationships.
The Rainbow House has implemented additional policies and procedures to protect the health of both their staff and clients during the COVID-19 outbreak, but have maintained essentially all typical services. Olson adds that victims of abuse can also still get restraining orders during this time, as the courts are open and allowing survivors and advocates to appear by video conference.