Efforts address domestic violence in more rural New York areas
Migrant workers on farms, especially women, may face domestic abuse, so a special grant helped bring in a Spanish-speaking counselor at the YWCA in Genesee County. Author: Ron Plants Updated: 8:41 PM EDT May 13, 2021
BATAVIA, N.Y. Counselors say cases of domestic violence increased during the COVID pandemic, with some victims forced by COVID restrictions to stay in a toxic environment for abuse.
That situation may be compounded for those living in more rural areas of Western New York including many farmworkers.
And again, it s no surprise to hear that in part due to COVID, there s been more need for services and help. Program director Justina Garner says: It s definitely increased. There s some people who were stuck home with their abusers during the pandemic and it was more difficult for them to reach out. But our services have been very busy.