Domestic violence, drug overdose calls up during pandemic in Volusia, Flagler counties

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Calls for domestic violence and drug overdoses are higher during than pandemic than this time last year, officials said.

Angie Pye works for the Beacon Center, an organization that helps survivors of domestic violence in Volusia and Flagler counties.

“Our numbers are looking a little higher annually this year than they did last year,” Pye said, adding that more people have been accessing its text line it recently set up for help.

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“When the stay-at-home order went into place that was really (a) safety factor for survivors of domestic violence who were still living with their partner and they could not access services as easily when they were home,” Pye said.

One of the biggest areas to see an increase has been drug overdoses.

Stewart Marchman Agency said it’s gone from doing about 15 consultations a month to sometimes almost that many in a single day.

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Officials said they’re worried that number could increase during the holidays as people’s isolation grows because they can’t see family and friends.

Both organizations encourage anyone needing help in these type of situations to reach out.

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If you live in Volusia or Flagler counties and are dealing with domestic violence and need help, you can call or text 386-255-2102.

Stewart Marchman’s 24-hour line is 1-800-539-4228.

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