COVID-19-related isolation has led to increased numbers of people reporting abuse and sexual assault.
And victims are facing a mountain of obstacles.
Smith is executive director of The Bridge, a Fremont-based agency that serves victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault in Dodge, Washington, Saunders, Burt and Cuming counties.
During the fiscal year 2019-2020, the nonprofit agency has seen a 26% increase in the number of new clients and a 30% increase in the number of sexual assaults.
âI think that everything we have done to support ourselves through the pandemic to create isolation, social distancing â to keep us safe â has made it more dangerous for those who are living in homes where abuse is occurring,â Smith said. âItâs made them more vulnerable.â