CHANA | When Sheltering In Place Is Not Safe


Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen a spike in domestic violence cases as stay-at-home orders place victims and their abusers in constant proximity. According to Lauren Shaivitz, Executive Director of CHANA, an agency of The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore, social isolation is a form of abuse that perpetrators often use to exert power and control over their victims.  

CHANA recently launched a new, secure live chat service to support survivors of domestic violence. The new service allows those looking for help to chat directly with advocates in a way that is safe, private and secure, giving them space and comfort to explore their situation with a trained professional. 

In particular, this service can be incredibly helpful to clients who, due to being isolated in their homes with their abusers, cannot access help simply by calling on the phone.  

Shaivitz recently spoke with WYPR to discuss how her team of expert clinicians is responding to the evolving needs of their clients during this unprecedented situation. 

The following interview was originally featured on WYPR’s “On The Record”


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The Associated is a home for everyone in the Baltimore Jewish community. We offer several email lists to help people find a community, engage with their peers and support Jewish journeys around the world.

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