It’s a stressful time. And with families spending more time isolated at home, it’s no surprise that new tension has triggered an increase in domestic violence.

Shelley Alcorn, Victims’ Resource Center program director at YWCA Bradford, agreed that she, too, has seen an increase in individuals in need of the center’s services.

“The need for individuals requesting safe housing through our emergency domestic violence shelter has dramatically increased over the last month,” said Alcorn. “Additionally, Protection from Abuse (PFA) Orders have been on the rise in McKean County.”

In fact, the Victims’ Resource Center assisted three times as many people during the past month than during the previous three months in obtaining PFAs in an effort to keep their families safe, according to Alcorn.

“If someone is in any immediate danger we would encourage them to call 911,” she said. “If someone has any questions regarding domestic violence, need to seek protection through our emergency shelter, or by obtaining a Protection from Abuse Order, then they should call the Victims’ Resource Center’s 24-hour hotline at 888-822-6325.”

Family dynamics can be complicated, so for each individual, a plan is developed based on that person’s specific needs.

“Everyone that comes into the Victims’ Resource Center begins their services with an intake and a chance to assess their needs,” Alcorn explained. “How we can help someone goes on a case by case basis. If we are able to meet with someone and discuss healthy relationships and red flags, then we do. If we do not provide the type of services they are seeking, then we ensure they are referred to other agencies that would better fit their needs.”

Alcorn said the YWCA is still providing all of its services, but they look different due to social distancing restrictions.

“We are still able to provide supportive and crisis counseling, either by telephone or video conference,” she said. “Protection from Abuse Orders are currently being obtained by video conferencing with our County judges.”

Families can find ways to de-stress to prevent tension from rising to an unhealthy level. Alcorn suggests that people exercise and spend time in nature.

“Although many public places and parks are closed, it is important to remember that we can all still spend time outside. Fresh air and sunshine always help!” she said. “Whether it’s going for a walk, a bike ride, fishing, or even having a picnic by a pond. It’s always a good idea to try and get up and stay active.”

At the same time that staff are facing an increase in clients, they have also had to restructure how services are offered in order to social distance. Angela Erway, YWCA development & marketing director, explained how staff have adjusted to meet new challenges.

“The YWCA and our staff have not skipped a beat since this COVID-19 pandemic began in order for all of our programs to continue,” she said. “Our staff have adapted and been resilient as they have continued working every day to offer services throughout McKean County. They are our greatest asset. To encourage a positive work environment and remind our staff how much they are appreciated, we have implemented spirit days of May, as part of Mental Health Awareness, and created different challenges among the staff, like a scavenger hunt that included different activities.”

Erway is hopeful that the community will remember the important work YWCA Bradford does in McKean County, as those services are needed more now than ever.

“There have been a lot of days lately when I wondered if people have forgotten about the YWCA. And I don’t mean those seeking our services, because the numbers show quite the opposite,” she said. “We realize that it’s not easy to talk about the services we offer; people don’t want to believe the prevalence of domestic violence and homelessness in our small communities. Unfortunately, the fact of the matter is that these issues do exist, and McKean County is very fortunate to have both a domestic violence shelter and a homeless shelter, along with all of the other services needed to help these individuals through dangerous and difficult times.”

Erway said they are grateful for the staff, volunteers and donors who make the much-needed services possible.

Anyone who wants to make a donation and support the programs offered by the organization can mail donations to YWCA Bradford, 24 W. Corydon Street, Bradford PA 16701; donate online at http://ywcabradford.org/; or email angelae@ywcabradford.org to discuss additional arrangements.

The YWCA building is currently closed to the public.