SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — At the beginning of the pandemic, Vera House advocates managed 20 to 30 abuse cases apiece. After two years, their numbers have more than doubled. Advocates may now have 60 to 70 unique, complex cases at a time.
It may seem like basic social cause and effect, but more cases for one person can stretch resources and time dedicated to each case thin.
The co-executive directors at Vera House, Angela Douglas and Randi Bregman, say this has led to a change in how the organization functions.
“I think we’re in a position now, more than ever, where we almost become an emergency room and we’re triaging,” Douglas said.
Having to triage care causes great pain for both providers and victims.
Placing seemingly minor cases to the side can have devastating results. The ensuing negative effects are twofold. On one hand, domestic violence situations can become volatile and dangerous, fast.
On another hand, survivors will have longer stays within the organization.
“So that level of need, so that keeps people engaged with our services longer,” Bregman said. “Because we can’t help people achieve their goals as quickly as we used to.”
The increase in cases at Vera House has stayed consistent. Last week, they had multiple days with six to seven people coming in for help. They intend to continue taking new cases.