Local nonprofit, Giant Eagle offering help for domestic abuse victims stuck at home

Nearly 13,000 purple postcards have been printed out and will be at the end of every Giant Eagle checkout line in Allegheny County.

The postcards are an effort to reach victims of domestic violence who may only be leaving the house for groceries right now. The cards say home can be a dangerous place, particularly during the COVID-19 crisis.

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Experts say some people are trapped at home with their abusers due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have been looking for ways to reach out to people in quarantine who experience abuse and can't leave the house except for essential trips,” said Nicole Molinaro, president and CEO of the Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh.

The organization helps victims with shelter and support and came up with the idea of these postcards as a way to reach women who are isolated.

“Some people may not know help is available. Being able to see this in line at the grocery store, they may think, ‘Oh my goodness. There is somewhere I can turn to help,’” Molinaro said.

Domestic violence cases are high right now. Police in our area have responded more frequently to calls for help from victims stuck home with their abusers.

It's an issue not just in western Pennsylvania, or even the united states, but across the globe.

“As the economic and social pressures and fear have grown, we have seen a horrifying surge in domestic violence,” the secretary general of the United Nations said.

The harsh reality for some survivors is that, even with the information at their fingertips, they still may not be able to call for help at this time.

“We are open and here to help now and after the pandemic when you might be safer to contact us,” Molinaro said.

In addition to the postcards, the women’s shelter is also partnering with the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank to reach more victims.

Click here for a link to the organization’s website. You can also reach the women’s center at its 24-Hour Hotline: 412-687-8005.

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