As much of Pennsylvania shuts down to prevent the spread of coronavirus, one industry remains open for business.
The Women's Center & Shelter and Pittsburgh Action Against Rape remain busy helping victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
The nonprofits have made some adjustments to protect victims and staff by focusing on phone calls and video conferencing to communicate with those in need.
Even though large portions of the Allegheny County Courthouse has closed, victims are still able to get emergency Protection From Abuse orders. A court administrator tells Channel 11 they’re looking at video conferencing for future orders.
Have questions about the spread of the coronavirus? We have an entire section dedicated to coverage of the outbreak. CLICK HERE for more.
Washington County has assigned three judges to handle PFA’s to limit exposure.
PAAR is also changing how they do business by limiting in-person contact with victims of sexual assault.
Both the Women’s Center & Shelter and PAAR are encouraging anybody who is unsafe in their home or needs help to contact them immediately, even during this pandemic.
If you are a victim of domestic violence you can contact the Women’s Center & Shelter here: https://www.wcspittsburgh.org/contact-us/
If you’re a victim of sexual assault you can contact Pittsburgh Action Against Rape here: https://paar.net/
This browser does not support the video element.