We understand that economic stress, health compromises and natural disasters increase the chance of stress, trauma and violence within the home. We also understand that perpetrators take advantage and gain power in times of crisis and victims are less likely to reach out for help, especially in isolation. 

Restoring Ancestral Winds recognizes that these serious threats within our Indigenous communities are amplified with this global emergency.

If you are “sheltering in place” within a dangerous home situation or are experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault:

Get anonymous, confidential support | Please call to talk through your situation

StrongHearts Native Helpline

Call, text or chat online 24/7

1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483)

strongheartshelpline.org

We urge you to seek help. You are not alone.

• ABUSERS MAY WITHHOLD NECESSARY ITEMS, SUCH AS HAND SANITIZER OR DISINFECTANTS.
• ABUSIVE PARTNERS MAY SHARE MISINFORMATION ABOUT THE PANDEMIC TO CONTROL OR FRIGHTEN SURVIVORS OR PREVENT SURVIVORS FROM SEEKING ANY MEDICAL HELP FOR THEIR WELLBEING.
• ABUSIVE PARTNERS MAY WITHHOLD INSURANCE CARDS OR THREATEN TO CANCEL INSURANCE.
• PROGRAMS THAT SERVE SURVIVORS MAY BE SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACTED - SHELTERS MAY BE FULL. SURVIVORS MAY ALSO FEAR ENTERING SHELTER BECAUSE OF BEING IN CLOSE QUARTERS WITH PEOPLE. 
• SURVIVORS WHO ARE OLDER OR HAVE CHRONIC HEART OR LUNG CONDITIONS MAY BE AT INCREASED RISK IN PUBLIC PLACES WHERE THEY COULD TYPICALLY GET SUPPORT, LIKE SHELTERS, COUNSELING CENTERS, OR COURTHOUSES. 
• TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS MAY IMPACT A SURVIVOR'S ESCAPE OR SAFETY PLAN - IT MAY NOT BE SAFE FOR THEM TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION OR TO FLY.
• AN ABUSIVE PARTNER MAY FEEL MORE JUSTIFIED AND ESCALATE THEIR ISOLATION TACTICS.