Odyssey House (Facebook)

By Liam Verster

Domestic Abuse Supports

Odyssey House to continue operations as need for services could increase

Mar 24, 2020 | 6:00 AM

Women and children seeking shelter and support from domestic abuse will still be able to access Odyssey House during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Director of Communications for Odyssey House, Makayla Marcotte, says during these types of situations, with high levels of stress and anxiety as people lose jobs or lock themselves in their houses, can end up leading to an increase in domestic abuse.

“The Alberta Council for Women’s Shelters have stated that evidence from previous environmental disasters and pandemics suggests that domestic violence will increase during and following this health emergency.”

“So that being said, we want to urge our community to really come together and we’re reminding individuals who experience violence to do their absolute best to ensure their safety, and the safety of their children, and remind them that they’re not responsible.”

She adds these rates are especially true in situations where someone turns to substances, like drugs or alcohol, as a coping mechanism.

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Marcotte says without the small escapes for victims of domestic abuse, like sending the kids to school or going to the grocery store or coffee shop, the risk of violence escalates, and it’s important that these services are available.

Odyssey House and other women’s shelters have been deemed essential services, and Marcotte says they will remain open to those in need.

However, while their services like the 24-hour crisis line, emergency shelter, and Serenity Place are all operational, they are taking preventative steps to ensure everyone’s safety and reduce the risk of a COVID-19 outbreak.

“We’re not accepting any donations at the door, we’ve had to cancel our weekly support groups moving forward, and our day care centre is currently closed, although we are still offering child care support in our emergent situations and in our crisis shelter. So we have had some of our traditional ways of helping be temporarily postponed, but we’re still here, we’re still operating.”

Odyssey House is also supporting the provisions set out by the government and Alberta Health Services to reduce the risk of an outbreak, by cleaning and sanitizing the facilities regularly, encouraging social distancing by splitting up meal times and laundry schedule, and promoting personal hygiene through signage. There are also staff on site to help with the COVID-19 self-assessments if a client or resident is feeling ill.

Marcotte adds that certain supports, like trauma counselling sessions, are being done through telephone or skype calls, so that the risk of spreading of germs is reduced, but the service is still provided.

The shelter has also created designated self-isolation spaces, for women and children wanting to access supports, but who are showing symptoms of the coronavirus.

“We have created specific rooms on specific levels that are designated as isolation rooms. They are thoroughly cleaned beforehand, and then again once the isolation time is over they are thoroughly cleaned afterwards. We’ve been having clients and residents help us to keep the rooms as clean and disinfected as possible.”

Meals are being provided through safe contact, and letters and notes are being shared with the individuals, to ensure they are still supported while in self-isolation.

While Odyssey House continues with it’s operations, Marcotte says the general public can also help those in need.

“If you hear something, say something. If you see something, do something. Explain what you’ve seen to the individual that you may care about, and what worries you about the situation. If someone comes forward and says, ‘Hey, I’m experiencing this,’ whether that be telecommunication or a neighbour, believe them and offer our services and supports. If they’re discussing leaving the relationship, do not share that information, because that can be extremely dangerous.”

She says if possible, offer that person a place to stay, though she does admit that may be difficult with the risk of the COVID-19 pandemic, and encourages people to reach out to Odyssey House in those situations, by calling the 24-Hour Crisis Line at 780-532-2672.

She adds that, if there is imminent danger, then the individual, whether they are a victim or a witness, should call 911, and report the situation to the police.