A panel discussion on domestic abuse and the services availbale post-COVID with Katie Young-Wildes of Women Against Abuse, Katie of Laurel House and Toby Fraser of the Lutheran Settlement House.  They spoke about defining the types of abuse, how to approach the topic, planning for leaving and the resources available to victims and their families.  We talked about timing, not everyone is ready or willing to leave an abusive relationship and  they spoke of counseling programs – including programs geared toward the abusors –  shelters and legal services available throughout the process, and they gave advice for those witnessing a problem relationship, how to offer support.  Toby discussed the ‘agressive male’ in popular culture as a potential problem for future relationships and Katie discussed teen partner abuse, both boys and girls can bully then abuse.  They also discussed what to do in an emegerncy and suggested that not all families feel safe with police involvement through a 911 call, in a non-life threatening situation they suggested leaving the house to de-escalate, code-words for children to tell them to leave, and to keep a ‘go-bag’ of cash, a mobile phone and important documents ready.  For more information about programs discussed go to

womenagainstabuse.org   laurel-house.org and lutheransettlement.org