Endovi

THE LANDSCAPE

The most dangerous time for a survivor is when they physically leave the abusive relationship. They are at a 75% higher risk of being killed.

People often wonder why survivors of domestic violence don’t “just leave” their abusive relationship or hesitate to get help. Sadly, there are several factors which prevent someone from easily leaving their abusive environment. Not only does it take immense courage to leave an abusive relationship, statistically, the most dangerous time for a victim is when they physically try to leave.

In March, at the start of Covid-19 stay-at-home mandates, many survivors were trapped at home with their abusers. Increased calls to hotlines demonstrated this shadow pandemic not only locally in DC but globally, as the World Health Organization reported Member States seeing up to a 60% increase in emergency calls from abused women when compared to rates in April 2019. Numbers began to fall in June and July, revealing the true and dangerous impact of domestic violence during Covid-19. Survivors have been afraid to call and seek help because they cannot do so safely without their abuser finding out. If they do need medical attention, they are often waiting until the last minute to seek medical assistance to avoid an escalation of violence. This fear coupled with the stressors of lockdown, has caused many survivors to feel hopeless, mentally drained, and stuck.

ENDOVI MAKES A DIFFERENCE

In response to the increase and impact of domestic violence during Covid-19, Becky’s Fund developed ENDOVI as a solution and tool to support survivors during this shadow pandemic.

The creation of ENDOVI is made possible by a grant from Booz Allen Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to convening diverse stakeholders to solve challenging social issues. Using technology and a mobile phone platform created by Appnector, ENDOVI is an access point to the resources available to survivors who need help. Without safe access to resources, without guidance on everything from housing to finances, and without an exit plan, leaving the only home you know can be a daunting, terrifying, and even deadly choice.

But ENDOVI will help change the future for survivors, allowing them to discreetly and safely begin their exit out and journey to freedom. ENDOVI connects survivors with mental health support, important resources like shelter, an advocate, and a lawyer and allows the use of technology safely without having to risk elevated abuse often caused when the abuser finds out about calls for help.

THE IMPACT

ENDOVI will guide survivors in creating a safety plan without fear of the abuser finding out the plan to leave, resulting in negative consequences.

Short-Term:

  • Solving for the “Unmet Need” gap.

  • Saving and improving lives.

  • In 1 day in 2019, nearly 19,200 calls were made to hotlines.

  • Over 11,300 requests for services were unmet.

Long-Term:

  • Development of an innovative tool adapting to the needs of present and future users so the app is the primary point of communication for delivery of service.

  • As ENDOVI adoption grows, service capacity grows so public funds can be better allocated to traditional resources and continue to serve survivors.

  • Lives will be saved and lives will be improved.

  • 92% of all murder suicides involve an intimate partner; 94% of the victims are female.