MCALLEN, Texas (KVEO) — Domestic violence is increasing in the Valley and mental health experts believe shelter-in-place orders may have caused the spike.
Day in and day out, close corridors with a violent partner during shelter-in-place has left more than 100 victims displaced.
According to local domestic violence help center, Mujeres Unidas (Women Together) women, children and men have called seeking shelter and counseling.
However, due to social distancing restrictions, the shelter can only house ten people at a time without putting other guests at risk of possible COVID-19 exposure.
“At times you know you’re already in a domestic violence situation and then financial problems come…or problems with the children, things like that…it escalates,” Mujeres Unidas Executive Director, Cecilia Mata-Moya said.
As an alternative, the organization is offering over-the-phone counseling and finding safe ways to house victims in life-threatening situations.
If you would like to help you can donate. The daily cost to shelter a family of four is $45 and the average stay is 21 days. The agency is also accepting non-monetary donations including clothes, personal items and food. Click here for more information.
