Physical distancing creates new barriers for Nunavut child abuse victims

As many health services turn to using teleconference and online contact because of COVID-19, Iqaluit's child advocacy centre is finding some work is best done in person.

Opened in October by the Arctic Children and Youth Foundation, the Umingmak Child and Youth Support Centre works with clients who have disclosed abuse. This could range from witnessing domestic violence to being a victim of physical or sexual abuse themselves.

While the centre is still open as an emergency service for urgent disclosures of abuse through family services or the police, weekly one-on-ones with clients have been moved to twice weekly telephone check-ins and, to physically distanced walks once each week, as approved by public health.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/nunavut-child-abuse-victims-physical-distancing-barriers-1.5605274