DOVE changes procedures in wake of COVID-19 pandemic

IRONWOOD — Domestic Violence Escape, or DOVE, Inc., in Ironwood, recently announced it was limiting some of its services in the wake of the COVID-19, or coronavirus, pandemic while still continuing its primary mission of empowering those experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault or child abuse.

“Because we wish to respond proactively to the coronavirus outbreak, and to do our part in controlling the virus’ spread, we are going to remote services effective immediately,” Executive Director Pamela Niemi said in a letter on the organization’s Facebook page Monday. “We will continue to provide services by telephone, email and/or texting. Those in immediate danger please contact 911. We will continue to staff our 24-hour crisis line and staff will be available to assist those in immediate danger appropriately.”

According to Niemi, the organization’s preventative measures include:

—Suspending in-person educational presentations to community groups and informational tables at events through April 13.

—Canceling any community events, such as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, through April as a way to reduce the number of public gatherings in the area.

—Suspending in-person participation in community meetings and task forces, using remote methods to attend when possible.

—Canceling in-person meetings through April 13.

—No longer accepting any donations other than monetary donations.

—Suspending all off-site client appointments through at least April 13, while still providing emergency services and staff remaining available through the 24-crisis line.

Those in need of support can contact DOVE on its 24-hour crisis line at 906-932-0310; or its 24-hour text line, 906-285-1636.

Niemi said several of the changes will hopefully be reevaluated after April 13 or the end of April to determine whether they are still necessary.

In addition to the specific changes, Niemi said the organization is also committed to following general federal and state recommendations for combating the spread of the virus.

“We will also strive to balance any precautionary steps with the need to ensure continued access to our supportive services for victims and survivors, especially those who are members of marginalized and vulnerable populations,” Niemi wrote.

Although some may feel like the actions are extreme, Niemi said DOVE, Inc., is trying to be as proactive as possible.

—Richard Jenkins