January 1, 2021 By Mike Kruzman / news@whmi.com
In what was a difficult year for many even in healthy relationships, the LACASA Center is reporting that record numbers of survivors reached out to them for help in 2020.
LACASA is a local non-profit that aids and advocates for the victims of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault.
Staff remind that pandemics donât stop abusers, and historically, when outside stressors occur, abuse tends to escalate. When shelter-in-place orders took effect, closing their around-the-clock facility was not an option.
LACASA reports that record numbers of victims seeking help and refuge contacted them this past year. In 2020 they provided 1,170 nights in hotels and over 3,500 off-site meals for victims and their families. There was a 230-percent increase in child forensic interviews. Individuals seeking personal protection orders tripled compared to an average year and there was a 96-percent increase