“We were home all day, every day.”
Stay at home orders meant to protect people from COVID-19 further isolated and escalated tension between Jamie Wright and her husband of just a few months. The escalating tension and pressure in their house turned violent in April. Jamie was shoved, strangled and struck with a laptop by the man she just married. She fled her abuser that evening with nothing but an overnight bag, vowing never to return. A phone call to HAWC’s crisis hotline began what would be a three-month stay at HAWC’s residential facility and safe harbor hotel. Jamie’s healing journey and a life free from violence would begin.
“I was assured. I was reaffirmed. HAWC let me know I am not alone in this.”
Sadly, Jamie’s heartbreaking story of domestic violence in the wake on the ongoing pandemic is one of countless many. The Houston area has seen a surge in domestic violence cases.
This is unquestionably a very dangerous time for survivors, but there is something you can do to help.
Let survivors know you believe them. They are not alone. Help is available.
PSA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mV_wzyBxdvc
Survivor Jamie Wright story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNqu6z4u2w0
www.hawc.org (LiveChat available)
24/7 Domestic violence hotlines 713-528-2121