INDIANAPOLIS–Domestic violence calls are some of the most dangerous calls that police can get on their radios. Last week Officer Breann Leath, with the Indianapolis Metro Police, was shot through a front door while answering a domestic call. Even though people are scared of coronavirus, shelters are still open to help people who are trying to get out of a dangerous situation.
“Those and traffic stops are the two deadliest calls. You don’t know what you’re walking into- a very heated and uncertain time,” said Kelly McBride of the Domestic Violence Network, on WIBC’s First Day.
She said calls to their crisis line have increased lately.
“It’s not just domestic violence, it’s also neighbor and family violence, which is not necessarily what we would consider domestic violence, but still with close proximities that’s bound to happen.”
She said that if you are in a dangerous situation, there are ways out, even during the coronavirus pandemic. McBride said that domestic violence organizations have been coming up with creative ways to help people.
Shelters are still open. The ones operated by the DVN are at capacity. Some people are scared to go because of coronavirus.
“You have 40 to 60 individuals in close proximity to each other, that is definitely a fear and I know that shelters are making sure as they possibly can that no one coming in has the virus. But, it’s not 100 percent.”
McBride said they are still helping people get out of dangerous situations, though. “It’s just a little tricky right now on what that exiting looks like.”
