ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The impact of the coronavirus pandemic could potentially reach cases being worked on in Orange and Osceola counties.
State Attorney Aramis Ayala held a press conference with groups that support victims of sexual or physical abuse on Tuesday.
Harbor House and Help Now of Osceola County said their hotline is up and they still have room remaining in their shelters.
.@harborhousefl & @helpnowshelter day shelter’s still open during #coronavirus #COVID19 pandemic. @vscflorida and these groups also continue to run their hotlines @WFTV pic.twitter.com/gJDxSegbO8
— Cierra Putman WFTV (@CPutman_WFTV) March 17, 2020
Read: Coronavirus: How you can help during pandemic
The victim service center said it’s also providing in-person counselling to victims, however, groups said they are questioning victims to make sure they don’t have COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms.
Officials said that even as more people begin to isolate due to the pandemic, they want to remind victims they can still report cases of abuse.
“I want to say to those who perpetuate acts of violence especially during this time you will be held accountable,” said Ayala. “My office is well prepared to prosecute.”
Ayala said her office is currently working on a plan on how staffers will proceed if the outbreak becomes more severe.
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