While there may be an increase in domestic violence incidents during the current pandemic due to the restrictions that have been put in place, it hasn’t led to a corresponding increase in calls for help from women looking to escape violent situations here in the Sault.
Earlier this month, the province provided emergency funding to support services for victims to address what was seen as a recent spike in incidents.
Director of community relations for Women in Crisis Algoma Sharon Reid says crisis calls have dropped from a average monthly level of 71 to 57 last month…

Reid says their agency is fully expecting a surge in calls for service once the restrictions are lifted…

A health directive has reduced the capacity of beds in their shelter on Oakland Avenue from 24 to 12 to allow for physical distancing.
Reid adds they do have contingency plans in place to accommodate more.