In the midst of a global pandemic, when we are all being advised to stay home to keep healthy—and when we are all facing increased worry, uncertainty, and stress—survivors of domestic violence (DV) and gender-based violence (GBV) often face the additional and unique challenge of their homes not being safe spaces. When tensions are running high, and spaces, like school or work, that may previously have served as temporary respite from an abusive relationship are no longer available, victims are more likely than before to face increased isolation and danger by spending more time at home with an abusive partner.

Over the past two weeks, visitors to NYC HOPE, the City’s Resource Directory of services for DV and GBV survivors has more than doubled since cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) began to rise in New York City. ENDGBV’s staff and our FJC partners, like so many of you, are working hard to ensure that survivors continue to have access to the vital services and support that they need to feel safe. While our physical spaces may be temporarily closed, staff at the New York City Family Justice Centers remain available to survivors by phone. As ever, the FJCs stand ready to connect survivors to immediate safety planning, civil legal assistance, shelter assistance, community resources, and more.

As the date for non-essential services to potentially come back online is newly extended, and we enter into April and mark Sexual Assault Awareness Month, it has never been more important for us to stand together. To survivors, I ask you to remember that New York City is here for you, and there are there are numerous ways you can find support and services. From calling an NYC FJC or the City’s 24-hour Domestic Violence hotline, to finding information or help in your community using the NYC HOPE Resource Directory online, to speaking to an advocate online using Safe Horizon’s SafeChat—know this: you are not alone.

Here are a few key basics to keep in mind:

• New York City domestic violence shelters are open. They are accepting new intakes.
• Emergency/Essential legal actions remain available through NYS Family Court, which is operating virtually. The courts are open for family offense petitions (orders of protection) and filings to address emergency custody/visitation issues.
• Existing temporary orders of protection have been extended until cases can be rescheduled.
• Evictions are suspended in NYS until at least June 20, 2020. You do not need to appear in Housing Court for an eviction case at this time.
• Public benefits will remain active. All in-person appointments have been waived.
• You can apply for cash assistance and SNAP with ACCESS HRA, either online or using the mobile app. You can also log on to manage your case and check your EBT balance.
• Utility shut-offs for non-payment in New York State are suspended until further notice.

To find current information about safety, shelters, meals, social services, and more, please visit ENDGBV’s Resources Page for Survivors During COVID-19. You can also check out New York City’s COVID-19 resource page to learn how to get free internet services or free “Grab and Go” meals for all New Yorkers in need, and much, much more.

We understand how staying at home as the city responds to the COVID-19 can uniquely impact New Yorkers who are experiencing gender-based violence. NYC Family Justice Centers can help, confidentially and for free—from preparing an immediate safety plan to providing support when survivors connect with the courts for a temporary order of protection. We encourage survivors to identify a trusted friend, family member, neighbor or coworker who can check in with them regularly; or with whom they can stay when it may be safer than staying at home. And if you think someone might be in need of support, learn how you can support them, check on them, let them know that you are available.

For our valued partners, please refer to our Resources Page for Survivors During COVID-19 to get connected to loans, grants, and other supports—such as the City’s Small Business Continuity Loan Fund, or the federal Paycheck Protection Program.

For anyone who may be wondering how you can contribute to the citywide effort to address COVID-19, please visit nyc.gov/HelpNow to learn how you can donate food or supplies, or volunteer with the Medical Reserve Corps. You may also consider donating blood if you are able, in order to help ensure that blood is available for any patients who may need it.

The stress and isolation that we are all feeling can be remedied by staying connected and engaged, sometimes in ways that are new or different but still provide some joy and comfort. What remains the same is this: In New York City, survivors are never alone. We applaud and are committed to supporting those on the front lines who are supporting survivors. We will get through this together, New York.