The need for social distancing has led to an increase in safety issues and danger for people who are abusive relationships and families.  As the pandemic spreads, so to are concerns and incidents of domestic violence worldwide.  On March, 23, 2020, the New York Times published "Where Can Domestic Violence Victims Turn During Covid-19?"  The following organizations provide numerous resources and information for survivors and families on safety plans, self-care, and more.

Even though we may be recovering from the pandemic the need for safety is still apparent. Below are a list of resources, along with pet related resources when looking to leave an abusive situation.  

National Domestic Violence Hotline
Virginia Statewide Violence Hotline
Women's Resource Center of the New River Valley
Women's Center at Virginia Tech
Futures Without Violence COVID-19 Updates
Veteran's Affairs Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program and COVID-19

Many victim will not leave a situation for a number of valid reasons, one of them being their pets. Many human shelters are not pet friendly, and often leaving the pet behind is not an option. Below are resources that also account for the non-human family member. 

The City of Norfolk, VA
Safe Journeys- Culpepper, VA
Doorways- Arlington, VA
Southside Center- Farmville, VA
Samaritan House- Virginia Beach