I have a family member who has been living with an abuser. Things have been bad for a while, but within two weeks of COVID quarantine beginning, the situation had gotten so dangerous that we had to orchestrate an escape.

Once we got her out, we had to get her far away - in the middle of a pandemic, when just leaving your house is a risk. We figured out the safest way to transport her and took as many precautions as we could. It was an extra layer of anxiety in a super tense situation.

Once we got her to a safe place, we had to get her medical treatment. Due to COVID restrictions, no one could accompany her into the hospital. She spent 12+ hours there, alone, cut off, hurt, and terrified, as her injuries were examined and documented.

Now we are trying to secure a safe place she can stay long term, in a home that is virus free and willing to take her in, knowing she’ll have to self-quarantine once she’s there. Just in case she carried the virus with her through this nightmare.

The pandemic has been a living nightmare for domestic violence victims. It has made already dangerous situations extremely dire. Look out for your people.

Thanks for covering this, @mj_lee. https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/07/us/nyc-domestic-violence-website-surging/index.html

Just updating to say we have secured a safe place for my family member to stay. But much love to all you wonderful humans in the comments offering up your homes to a complete stranger. Let’s keep taking care of each other.