It’s quite possible that by now, you’re getting a bit tired of being at home so much. On the other hand, for many families, the extra time at home has made for some deeper bonding between family members, rediscovering the dining room table (and eating around it!), and enjoying games and movies together. But not all families are ideal, and in some homes, there’s an interloper in form of domestic abuse or domestic violence. For these families, self-quarantine is almost a form of entrapment, and escape routes all but cut off. Jessica Kootz is a family and consumer sciences agent with K-State Research and Extension’s Midway District. She offers some tips for family members struggling with these issues, and guidance for the rest of us, if we find ourselves with an opportunity to assist a friend for family member.

Guests for this episode:

• Jessica Kootz is a family and consumer sciences agent with K-State Research and Extension’s Midway District.

Links to Resources:

• Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas (DVACK) — With offices located in Salina and Concordia, DVACK provides free, voluntary and confidential support services to primary and secondary survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, teen dating violence, elder abuse & human trafficking. DVACK's 24-hr Hotline numbers: 1-800-874-1499 | 785-827-5862.
• Statewide support is available from the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence. Their 24-hour hotline is 888-END-ABUSE (888-363-2287)
• K-State Research and Extension homepage
• K-State Research and Extension COVID-19 Resources page
• Contact information for local K-State Research and Extension offices

The Extension Files is a product of K-State Research and Extension, which is Kansas State University’s outreach and education system. We have an office in every one of Kansas’ 105 counties.

The goal for K-State Research and Extension is to be everyday Kansans’ trusted source for relevant, unbiased research and information to help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better future.

In Kansas, extension agents’ expertise and deep network of connections cover a wide array of topics:

• food (from livestock and crop production to preparation and preservation)
• families and community
• 4-H youth development
• finances
• health in all stages of life
• gardening
• landscaping
• … and much more

Check out the K-State Research and Extension website to learn more. The quickest way to find us on Facebook and Twitter is to search for #KSRE.

To provide feedback about this podcast, email us at ksrenews@ksu.edu.