AUSTIN, Texas — The SAFE Alliance is an organization that works to provide resources for survivors and prevent child abuse, as well as domestic violence, human trafficking, dating violence and sexual harassment.
The group said it's expecting to see an increase in calls from people forced to be at home with their abuser.
"Domestic violence might increase because those parents are isolated now," said Graciela Moller-Xavier, the lead parent educator of Strong Start Program at SAFE. "They are with their abusers sometimes, so what is happening is they don’t know what to do because they have no other choice than staying at home, working from home, or they’re laid off so they have to be at home now."
Moller-Xavier suggests people should create an emergency plan and call the hotline if they feel that things are getting out of control.
"Very scary because it's supposed that your house is safe and sometimes it's not," said Moller-Xavier. "What we recommend is create an emergency plan and to know where can you go in case things get out of control."
If you're in a dangerous situation, the SAFE Alliance's hotline is staffed 24 hours a day. Staff members can help you form an emergency plan and get to safety.
The number is 512-267-SAFE (7233).
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