Rutgers Expert Available to Speak on COVID-19 and Victims of Abuse Amanda M. Stylianou, a national expert on domestic violence and health outcomes based at Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care at Rutgers Health is available to speak on the impact of social distancing on child and adult victims of violence and abuse.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 18 women and 1 in 20 men will experience sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking from an intimate partner over the next 12 months and the Children’s Bureau of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that over 1,700 child fatalities from child abuse and maltreatment will occur over the next 12 months.
“While social distancing may be difficult for many of us, for those children and adults that live in unsafe homes – where abuse and violence occurs – staying at home can be a terrifying reality,” Stylianou said. “For those who rise every morning eager to attend work and school – for its social connectedness and as an escape from daily abuse and violence in their home – social isolation can have a devastating impact on their safety, health and wellbeing. That connection is a major protective factor for individuals experiencing violence and abuse.”
Stylianou recommends that people reach out to family, friends and neighbors. She noted that services and 24/7 hour support are still available: Call 911, call or chat the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) or the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-4673), reach out to your state domestic violence and/or sexual assault coalitions.
Media interested in interviewing Stylianou can contact Patti Verbanas at patti.verbanas@rutgers.edu.
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