COVID-19

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) assessed the novo coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as a pandemic. On March 17^th, the Government of Ontario declared a state of emergency under s 7.0. (1) of the Emergency Management and Civil protection act resulting in the closing of private schools, child care centres, restaurants, social venues and all facilities providing indoor recreational programs. On March 24^th, the Government of Ontario issued a mandatory closure of all non-essential workplaces. Recommendations to ensure public safety focus on social distancing and isolation within one’s own home which poses unique risk implications for both residential service providers and users, and women within the community at risk-of or experiencing violence in their own homes. In the face of this changing and evolving crisis, OAITH identified the need for a COVID-19 Working Group focused on developing and promoting resources focused on assisting VAW services and survivors in navigating challenges associated with the pandemic, state of emergency and related impacts.

All members of OAITH were invited to participate and contribute their expertise and resources related to social media, resources, and violence against women within the COVID-19 crisis context. The first meeting of the Working Group was held virtually on March 26^th 2020. Meetings occur on a weekly basis.

Main goals of the working group include developing tools and resources related to:

Safety planning within our current context
Mitigating the wellness and mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic
Working/providing support from home

If you have resources/information/tools which may be helpful for the working group, please contact the COVID-19 Working Group Chair Amber Wardell at amber@oaith.ca

Current Members of the Working Group Include:

Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic

Family Transition Place

Halton Women's Place

Huron Women's Shelter

Interim Place (Peel)

Interval House Ottawa

Kingston Interval House

Leeds & Grenville Interval House

OAITH

Optimism Place

Women's Shelter, Saakaate House

Three Oaks

Yellow Brick House

Resources, Tools & Information from OAITH's COVID-19 Working Group

Alternative Residential Options Study

Lakehead University and OAITH have partnered to conduct research about the alternative residential options that had to emerge as a form of service provision. A preliminary overview of the Alternative Residential Options Study was presented Dr. Susan Scott at the “Spotlight on GBV & COVID Research” online event hosted by Anova and EVA Canada on December 8th, 2020. Acess the recording here.

Your Brain May Be on High Alert

This image prompts survivors to consider the impact of COVID-19 changes and restrictions on their sense of safety, ability to safety plan and assess risk, and overall activation of the threat response.

Includes contact information for AWHL and Shelter Safe.

Available as a PDF and PNG.