We are asking the public to keep alert for signs of abuse and neglect, even more than usual, because abuse and neglect have been shown to increase during times of crisis/natural disasters.

If you suspect child abuse and/or neglect, call the NJ Child Abuse Hotline at 1-877-NJ ABUSE as soon as possible.

Being quarantined at home is not always safe.   New Jersey Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 1 (800) 572-SAFE (7233) 24 hours a day/7 days a week. The New Jersey Domestic Violence Hotline provides confidential access to domestic violence information and services, including crisis intervention, referral, and advocacy.  Bilingual and accessible to the deaf and hearing impaired.

The organization has a webpage with information for staying safe during the outbreak. 

Among the behaviors that people could experience during this time, according to the NDVH:

Abusive partners may withhold necessary items, such as hand sanitizer or disinfectants.

Abusive partners may share misinformation about the pandemic to control or frighten survivors, or to prevent them from seeking appropriate medical attention if they have symptoms.

Abusive partners may withhold insurance cards, threaten to cancel insurance, or prevent survivors from seeking medical attention if they need it.

If you’re looking for support or information after a sexual assault, you can call RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or start an online chat with a crisis support specialist.