Boise victims center reports large increase in needs of abused children, partners
The Faces of Hope Victim Center in Boise is reporting a significant increase in the needs of domestic, child and sexual abuse victims during the coronavirus pandemic.
In the past five months, Faces has reported assisting 2,500% more survivors in securing protection orders electronically than in the same period last year. The assistance helped fill the void created by the closure of the courthouse because of the pandemic. The center also has provided 450% more nights of emergency shelter than in the same period last year, and provided 20% more food cards, officials said.
Faces of Hope also has treated more than 400 abused children, with five suffering from severe head trauma, including two fatal injuries, through its in-house partner, CARES. CARES stands for “Children At Risk Evaluation Services,” and it’s based in the same downtown building as Faces.
“While the pandemic has been challenging and stressful for all of us, COVID-19, along with stay-home orders, has significantly increased the level of danger for victims of domestic violence, child abuse and elder abuse,” Faces of Hope Executive Director Paige Dinger said in a news release. “For these individuals, the economic impact and isolation has meant there is no escape from ongoing verbal and physical abuse.”
Faces of Hope provides triage for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse and stalking. The center provides medical, educational, emotional and legal support — all at no cost to the victim.
October marks domestic violence awareness month nationwide. The nonprofit organization is asking for public support, as some of the fundraisers it would normally host have been canceled due to safety concerns over the virus.
The annual Light of Hope event, canceled due to the pandemic, typically raises over $90,000 for the center. In response to this crisis, Faces of Hope has created the Light of Hope 3-Day Giving Challenge to address the very real strain of funding the support it provides to those in crisis.
To participate in the Giving Challenge, visit Faces of Hope website at facesofhopevictimcenter.org/light-of-hope. You can also follow the event and learn more about Faces of Hope on Facebook and Instagram. The 3-Day Giving Challenge is set for Oct. 20-22.
Any victims in need of assistance may contact the center at 208-577-4400, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday-Friday, or walk in at 417 S. 6th St. in Boise.
This story was originally published October 8, 2020 at 2:00 PM.
