Berkshire Rape Crisis Center Fears “Explosion In Violence” During Coronavirus Outbreak

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Janis Broderick is the executive of the Elizabeth Freeman Center
Josh Landes

The Elizabeth Freeman Center is the 24/7 domestic violence program and rape crisis center for Berkshire County, with offices in North Adams, Pittsfield, and Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Executive Director Janis Broderick says the county is already experiencing a critical amount of domestic and sexual violence, and that the COVID-19 outbreak will only intensify the problem. She spoke with WAMC about why a bad situation in the Berkshires will only get worse in the era of social distancing and limited public services.

The Elizabeth Freeman Center's 24 hour toll-free hotline is (866) 401-2425.

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Josh Landes has been WAMC's Berkshire Bureau Chief since February 2018, following stints at WBGO Newark and WFMU East Orange. A passionate advocate for Western Massachusetts, Landes was raised in Pittsfield and attended Hampshire College in Amherst, receiving his bachelor's in Ethnomusicology and Radio Production. His free time is spent with his cat Harry, experimental electronic music, and exploring the woods.