In Service of Women
At BB Imaging we like to make our company culture evident in all we do. Our, blog, newsletter, and social media posts strive not only to inform but to entertain and invite comradery. Our “lighter” side is an important part of our company culture. We love the response to our Unicorn campaign and the sticker giveaways. We also care deeply about each person on our team which happens to be made up of mostly women, in an industry that is also predominantly female and in the business of serving women and their children. For this reason, we are uniquely positioned to address serious issues that most impact women.
During this time of crisis and unprecedented global shutdown we have been encouraged to reframe our situation for the sake of our mental health and think of ourselves as “safe at home” rather than “stuck at home”. Unfortunately for many people home is not a safe place. The World Health Organization estimates that 1 in 3 women experience physical or sexual violence at some time in their lives, making it the most widespread but least reported human rights abuse. Statistics from the National Domestic Violence Hotline indicate that 4 out of 5 victims of intimate partner violence are women. Because of the predominance of women in our company and in our field, we can infer that one fourth to one-third of our team has experienced or is experiencing some type of abuse perpetrated by an intimate partner.
That reality is sobering under the best of circumstances and we as a global community are certainly not at our best. Time magazine said that in February reports of domestic violence tripled in China compared to the same time last year. CNN reported that in Great Britain domestic violence helpline calls have increased by 25% since movement restrictions were put in place. Considering the current circumstances what can we do to help ourselves or someone we care about in this situation? COVID-19 has made it more difficult to leave an abusive situation as shelters across the country are at capacity or have had to shut down intakes altogether to protect the health of those already inside. What options does that leave for those who are not mentally, physically, or emotionally safe in their own homes?
Fortunately, this is not a hopeless situation. There are advocates across the country who have been trained extensively to help women who are living with or in contact with abusive partners regardless of the reasons. The goal of these advocates is to increase the safety of the victims and any children involved. This includes a reduction of all risks from a partner’s controlling behaviors not just physical violence but also, income, housing, healthcare, food, and children’s needs. Techniques for intervention include:
· Safety planning - Safety planning is a primary tool for advocates and can include how to identify and mitigate risk in the home, how to include children and pets in planning measures, how to best protect yourself in special circumstances such as pregnancy or with medical conditions, and how to protect your emotional safety. The advocates at the hotline will safety plan with anyone, victims or their friends, family members, or coworkers.
· Self-Care- Including making small gradual changes and a focus on being gentle with yourself.
· Resources for how to get help – Such as shelter options if available, and legal resources in your area.
At BB Imaging if you or a teammate are experiencing violence or resource control, we have some ideas about how we can help. In addition to contacting advocates at the National Domestic Violence Hotline, please reach out to the People and Culture Team, to Ben and Blanca, or anyone you trust. Together, let’s discuss how to safely assist you.
RESOURCES
These national resources are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They are completely anonymous and confidential.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
1.800.799.7233
National Dating Abuse Helpline
1.866.331.9474
If you need to speak safely, you can log onto thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522.
Detailed information on Safety Planning
Interactive Safety Planning guide (personalized to your circumstances)