A Lander Church Serves an Influx of Domestic Violence Survivors Post-Pandemic

During COVID-19 lockdowns, many domestic violence survivors felt trapped with their abusers and were unable to seek help. Now, an influx of Lander survivors in need is straining available resources. To wit: The Lander office of the Fremont County Alliance Against Domestic Violence saw 60 people per year pre-pandemic but have seen close to 200 in 2022. The Refuge Ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Lander is trying to help. The refuge works with about 15 women and 20 children survivors of domestic violence at a time, hosting support meetings, providing childcare and mentorship. The support groups meet once a week for two hours; survivors receive books and other educational materials, and childcare is provided during that time. The Refuge reached out to LOR for help expanding to help more survivors. Funding from the foundation will provide additional education materials to the growing number of survivors the Refuge sees each week.