Facilitated by Kesha Ram

Featuring Panelists:
Sarah George, Chittenden County State’s Attorney
Ana Burke, Steps to End Domestic Violence Interim Executive Director
Nikki Moyer, Burlington Police Department Corporal
Anne Moyerbrailean, Pride Center of Vermont’s SafeSpace Anti-Violence Program Coordinator

Justin Marsh, Director of Communications & Development, chats with former Vermont legislator and former legal director for Steps to End Domestic Violence, Kesha Ram, about the upcoming panel she is facilitating, entitled “Help Break the Silence: Relationship Violence During Quarantine”

According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, nearly 3 in 10 women (29%) and 1 in 10 men (10%) in the US have experienced rape, physical violence and/or stalking by a partner and report a related impact on their ability to function. Additionally, 30 to 60% of perpetrators of intimate partner violence also abuse children in the household. A report by the ACLU found that half of all homeless women and children in the US are fleeing from domestic violence. These realities are most likely being exacerbated while we are confined to our homes under quarantine restrictions, but there are still options for victims and survivors to seek safety and support.

Many people want to be helpful to friends and loved ones experiencing relationship violence, but might not know what to do after someone in your life discloses experiences of abuse and feelings of being unsafe at home. Below, is a recorded panel discussion on available resources, supports, and guidance to seek safety during the pandemic (and beyond) for someone sheltering in place with a potential abuser. Takeaways include:

– Ways to support a loved one as you are determining if they are experiencing abuse.
– Contact information and current remote protocols of organizations providing resources and support to survivors.
– Tactics to safely aid community members of all ages facing relationship and household violence.
– Strategies for allies to foster education around the issue of relationship violence in ways that support survivors.

This recording provides information unique to Chittenden County, but our resources at Pride Center of Vermont and SafeSpace Anti-Violence Program are accessible across all 14 counties of the state.

HOPE Works: (802) 863-1236
Steps to End Domestic Violence: (802) 658-1996
SafeSpace Anti-Violence Warmline: (802) 863-0003

About the Facilitator: In addition to serving four terms in the state legislature, Kesha was the Legal Advocate and then Legal Advocacy Program Director for Steps to End Domestic Violence in Chittenden County. This informed much of her work in the legislature, including championing bills on human trafficking, stalking, elder abuse, and revenge porn.