Services at the Mid-Minnesota Women’s Center are deemed essential and remain available through the COVID-19 pandemic.
The stay at home executive order Gov. Tim Walz signed last week permits individuals to leave their homes to relocate to ensure safety. For this reason, the women’s center’s domestic violence shelter at 1414 Maple St., Brainerd, is still open for those who need it, a news release stated.
The order still permits the care of others, including visitation schedules pertaining to children in need of protective services. These services continue to run at the Alex & Brandon Child Safety Center, 2602 Oak St., Brainerd.
Victims advocates and the rest of the staff at the women’s center are still able to work under Walz’s order and are committed to providing crisis services to clients, the release stated.
“Domestic violence advocates and visitation supervisors understand the importance of balancing the safety and security of clients while protecting the health and well-being of the community,” the release stated. “At a time when so many people are encouraged to stay home, the reality for many people is, home is anything but safe.”
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Data shows intimate partner violence and child abuse increases with economic stress and hardship, with the virus contributing to factors that may result in a higher likelihood of the abuse.
Because this public health situation can create additional dangers for individuals experiencing domestic abuse, victims are encouraged to reach out during this difficult time, the release stated.
“Mid-Minnesota Women’s Center staff realize there may be an increased need for services and are available to provide them in accordance with recommendations issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Minnesota Department of Health,” according to the release.
While still continuing, some women’s center services may look a little different as staff works to provide services through flexible means. The crisis line service, emergency shelter and parenting time services are unchanged. The judicial center has limited services, and as a result advocates will attend court with clients as needed and requested. To protect the health and well-being of Mid-Minnesota Women’s Center clients, staff, volunteers and the community, the following adjustments have been implemented until at least April 30:
Volunteer presence in women’s center facilities is suspended. Those interested in volunteering can contact the volunteer coordinator for information on other ways to stay involved.
In-person support groups are suspended.
Community events, professional trainings, tours, meetings and in-person fundraisers will be conducted remotely, canceled or postponed.
Doors remain locked to restrict traffic through the facilities.
Communication is increased with clients and staff regarding respiratory health and symptoms.
Cleaning of public and employee work surfaces is increased, including fully disinfecting after every supervised visit and resident departure.
Cloth toys, magazines and other nonessential items are eliminated at both programs to reduce the risk of spreading germs. General use items are either discarded or given to the client(s) to take home after each use.
Respiratory etiquette and hygiene are strictly enforced, including social distance principles.
Presence of hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, tissues, soap and other sanitation tools in organization spaces is increased.
Donations are limited to new items. The following supplies are needed: toilet paper, paper towels, diapers, disinfecting wipes, cleaning/disinfecting spray, baby wipes, tissues, disposable gloves, face masks, thermometers, bleach, antibacterial hand soap, hand sanitizer (60%+ alcohol content), nonperishable food items and stamps.
As of Monday, March 30, the Mid-Minnesota Women’s Center annual fundraiser on June 5 is expected to proceed. Those who wish to contribute to the women’s center to assist with the inevitable financial strain and funding shortfalls resulting from the pandemic can mail items to P.O. Box 602, Brainerd MN, 56401.
Anyone with questions about the women’s center’s response to COVID-19 or anyone who is in need of services can call the domestic violence shelter at 218-828-1216 or the Alex & Brandon Child Safety Center at 218-828-0022.
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