Backyards with Bolt: Episode 2
In this second episode of “Backyards with Bolt,” Dr. Annalijn Conklin of the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Inspector Colleen Yee of the Vancouver Police Department discuss what safety looks like during the coronavirus pandemic.
When asked what could be done to decrease domestic violence with the compliance of new stay-at-home regulations, Dr. Conklin expressed the need for men and boys to be educated in ways of nonviolent communication. Education, from primary school to university, is a determinant of health outcomes, economic outcomes, and social economic outcomes, and Dr. Conklin highlights UBC’s role in promoting awareness as a university. With the understanding that complying with stay-at-home regulations can put domestic violence victims at greater harm, Dr. Conklin advocates for the creation of safe spaces where at-risk women can escape temporarily, as well as further social awareness of these risks in discussions about COVID-19. BOLT Safety launched our latest project, Safe Hubs, on August 31st to make safe spaces around Metro Vancouver more accessible for domestic abuse victims.
Inspector Yee makes it a point to emphatically state that domestic violence victims are in no way responsible for their aggressors’ behaviour and that it is not their fault. With that said, in the case of being quarantined in an unsafe environment, it is ideal to remove yourself in that situation if possible. Inspector Yee agrees with Dr. Conklin on the importance of women’s shelters and safe spaces, and encourages victims to dial 9-1-1 in cases of immediate danger. In Inspector Yee’s experience working with domestic violence victims, living with an abuser is reminiscent of walking on a minefield, being careful of where to step and mindful of certain triggers. What could be done to mitigate triggers in the interim is to alleviate economical stressors inflicted by COVID-19, such as getting food from the food bank. In the long term, she suggests planning an escape plan with a foreseeable outcome. BOLT Safety acknowledges that domestic violence is not a monolith experience and is thankful that Inspector Yee was able to provide insight for women at all stages of this situation.
When asked what people can do to make their communities safer, Dr. Conklin endorses the concept of a neighbourhood watch and believes that neighbours looking out for each other will promote social cohesion. She also suggests inhabiting buildings that are relatively occupied, rather than areas of a city that are desolate. In line with shops putting up rainbow flags to indicate safe spaces for LGBTQ+ people, Dr. Conklin would like something international and recognisable that would promote solidarity with women and allow women to come into shops for immediate help. In line with this, partner safe spaces for BOLT Safety’s Safe Hubs initiative are placing a sticker on their business entrances to indicate that it is a safe space for victims and survivors of domestic abuse. Finally, Dr. Conklin expresses the need to ensure that all neighbourhoods have the resources they need, citing the disparities in Vancouver, such as unaffordable housing.
In accordance with Inspector Yee’s experience in Community Outreach Services, the Vancouver Police Department found that the people who lived in a certain community and were willing to engage in a team effort, regardless of socioeconomic background, really made a difference in creating a community. She remembers a neighbourhood of single mothers who would often walk their children alone at night in strollers who banded together to make afternoon matinee events to socialise and invite speakers to speak on financial literacy and women’s safety. A “we’re all in this together” type of feeling goes a long way in creating a community with a sense of empowerment and ownership.
BOLT Safety encourages everyone who may need help to reach out to locally available support services or even a friend. Stay tuned for Episode 3!
You can access the resources mentioned in this post under the 'Safe Hubs' category on The Hub (see the image below).
If you, or someone you know, is in immediate danger, please call your local emergency services (9-1-1), or learn about other options (like shelters and crisis lines) in the Safe Hubs category of this platform.
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