THANK YOU!
Hello everyone! We hope you all are managing to stay healthy and well during these challenging and trying times.

We want to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who has reached out to see how we are doing and how you can help. Your support means the world to us and we want to thank those of you who have donated supplies or made financial contributions.
New ways to reach an advocate
As Minnesotans have been encouraged to stay home as much as possible, CADA advocates are aware that this can create unsafe situations for victims of relationship violence who may now be isolated with their abusive partners. CADA advocates expect that victims will face challenges in reaching out to an advocate, because it will be difficult to find space and privacy to make a phone call to CADA’s 24-hour crisis line.

In an effort to make CADA’s services more available to victims stuck in a home with an abusive partner, CADA has established a web chat and text line. Those seeking help may now chat with an advocate on CADA’s website, or text with an advocate. The text line and web chat are staffed as often as possible, however, an advocate may not always be able to chat. If someone is in need of an immediate response, they are encouraged to call the 24-hour crisis line.

24-hour crisis line: 1-800-477-0466
Text: 507-223-4200
Email: outreachgroup@cadamn.org
Web chat: www.cadamn.org 
How you can help!
Because of COVID-19, we are not accepting donations of goods, with the exception of the following items:
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Disinfectant wipes
  • Disinfectant spray
  • $20 Walmart gift cards
One thing you can do to support victims and survivors in a direct way is to donate $20 Walmart gift cards! We work with many individuals and families who are struggling to get food and other necessary items. Most of the communities we serve have a local Walmart and you can help those in need get through these hard times!

Not everyone is safer at home
“Safer at home” is a common phrase heard in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. We have all had to adapt to a new kind of world very quickly by staying at home, working remotely, and schooling and entertaining children at home. This new way of living comes with challenges, inconveniences, and barriers, but for most of us these lifestyle changes are ultimately doable. While social distancing and quarantining are necessary measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, increased isolation can mean increased risk for victims and people surviving relationship abuse. People experiencing emotional, physical, or sexual violence may not be “safer at home.”

Victims of relationship abuse may experience increased risks because of isolation measures that were intended to be taken to curb the spread of COVID-19. Victims have told advocates that their partner will use the threat of the Coronavirus to discourage them from working or seeing friends or family with the intent of further isolating them and preventing them from leaving the relationship during this challenging time. A person who uses abuse in a relationship may use the virus as a scare tactic to keep their partner away from children or away from friends or family. Additionally, travel restrictions can disrupt and delay a survivor’s escape plan.

Many people are experiencing increased stress and anxiety because of the ramifications of the global pandemic. People who use abuse in relationships may feel more justified in escalating abusive behaviors and using this stress as a way to deflect and not take responsibility for their words or actions. Furthermore, in a time where there is already lots of misinformation about the pandemic, abusive partners may further manipulate myths and exaggerate falsehoods to scare and intimidate victims.

Abusive partners may also put victims at risk by withholding necessary items like disinfectants, hand sanitizer, or soap. Someone who uses abuse in a relationship might also withhold insurance cards, car keys, or other things someone needs to access medical resources. Some victims have told advocates that an abusive partner has threatened to kick them out of the home if they get sick or that an abusive partner has threatened to infect their victim with the virus.

People experiencing relationship abuse may face unique challenges and barriers when seeking help during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people living with an abusive partner find respite from the danger of their homes by going to work or visiting friends and family. Staying away from home as much as possible is one thing many victims and survivors include in their regular safety plan. However, with social distancing and quarantine measures in place, this respite has been taken away. CADA advocates are aware that during this period of social distancing instances of domestic and sexual violence may increase, while the number of calls advocates receive from victims may decrease; finding the space and privacy to make a call for help is extremely challenging when someone is home with their abusive partner day in and day out. Fear of contracting the virus also prevents victims of relationship abuse from seeking shelter or health care.

In Minnesota, domestic and sexual violence agencies like CADA are designated as essential public safety services and remain open. CADA’s shelter is open and advocacy services are available over the phone or in person if that is the safest option. If you think that someone you know is experiencing relationship abuse, be sure to reach out to them often! Letting someone know that you’re thinking about them and that they’re not alone can be a huge help. If someone you know is experiencing abuse, you can encourage them to call a CADA advocate or other emergency services. “Staying home” doesn’t have to mean staying in an unsafe home!  
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
and Child Abuse Prevention Month!
Every April, organizations and individuals around the United States come together to raise awareness about both sexual assault and child abuse. 

During these tense and uncertain times, it is expected that instances of child abuse, relationship abuse, and sexual violence will increase. However, it will be more challenging for victims and survivors of these crimes to seek help or report abuse. 

This April, you can help the survivors in your life by sharing CADA's social media posts, sharing information about sexual assault and child abuse, and spreading the word that CADA IS HERE FOR YOU! 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Follow CADA to stay up-to-date!
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CADA Offices

24-hour Crisis Line: 1-800-477-0466
Blue Earth County: 507-625-8688
Brown County: 507-233-6663
Faribault County: 507-526-5275
Le Sueur County: 507-934-5583
Martin County: 507-399-2001
Nicollet County: 507-934-5583
Sibley County: 507-233-6666
Waseca County: 507-835-7828
Watonwan County: 507-375-3040