As more people stay home with their kids and families to slow the spread of the coronavirus, the Tundra Women’s Coalition is keeping their doors open for women and children. So far, Bethel’s crisis emergency response network is open to help TWC screen and bring in people experiencing domestic violence.
But the COVID-19 pandemic adds more layers. Executive Director Eileen Arnold says that the shelter is now screening people for symptoms that include fever, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
“We’ve shifted a little bit with some health screenings before we bring people in for those crisis scenarios, but absolutely not going to stop doing them," said Arnold.
TWC staff are taking precautions as well. Arnold says that they are cleaning and disinfecting common areas, and trying to maintain social distancing of 6 feet. That’s hard, she says, for children who “want and need affection.” Staff also clean and disinfect their work stations twice a day .
TWC is one of two shelters serving the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta; the other one is in Emmonak. Hooper Bay has been working to open a shelter, but it’s not open yet. With schools shutting down and many businesses laying off workers or requiring them to work from home, people are experiencing more stress. Arnold says that disasters and pandemics will likely not increase the rates of domestic violence, but it will increase the severity.
"I think our biggest concern [of] everyone being stuck at home is those who use violence to deal with their feelings of lack of control," Arnold said.
Airlines have reduced travel in response to coronavirus concerns, and the Kuskokwim River, the other mode of transportation in winter, is thawing. More than 20 villages have enacted travel restrictions to slow the spread of coronavirus. That means people have fewer ways to travel, and fewer places to travel to. Arnold advises people to find healthier ways to release stress, like meditation and going outdoors. Meanwhile, she and the staff are devising creative ways to make sure people can get to safety.
"We’re going to be very careful to ask the right questions, knowing that people might still be in the room," Arnold said.
TWC's crisis emergency phone lines are (907) 543-3456 or toll-free at 800-478-7799.