When you turn on the news and hear a group of commentators discussing the COVID-19 pandemic, "domestic violence" is not the first crisis to come to mind. Yet as cases increase and the federal government calls for social distancing and mandatory quarantines, we are seeing vulnerable victims forced into their homes with their abusers. The outside world, their escape, is closed off and no longer available to them. They are trapped. Healthcare workers are already overworked. We already have a shortage of hospital beds. How can we be sure that the vulnerable will be protected? 

Will you call on Congress to fund domestic violence organizations so that they can stay operating and support victims through COVID-19? 

We are already seeing the effects of a recession with restaurants and bars closing, and museums and larger venues canceling events. Even domestic violence organizations are affected. When they can't hold events, they can't fundraise. On top of this, failing to pass the Violence Against Women Act has left victims vulnerable as we head into a national crisis. Most notably, the boyfriend loophole looms over the heads of men and women who pray their abuser does not access a firearm. Coronavirus fears have driven an increase in gun sales and tactical body armor sales. Guns in the home of an abuser increase the chance of homicide by 500 percent. 

The time is now to stand up for victims. Will you call on Congress to fund domestic violence organizations so that they can stay operating and support victims through COVID-19?