Coronavirus: Uber, Lyft Offering Domestic Violence Support

CHICAGO, IL — Two of the world's largest ridesharing companies are donating money to ensure that victims of domestic violence in Chicago receive free transportation service through the coronavirus pandemic. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfood announced Thursday that Lyft and Uber collectively are donating $20,000, which will be directed to the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline. The hotline, which is available 24 hours a day, has experienced a rise in domestic violence-related calls since the pandemic was declared.

"We understand that the 'Stay at Home' order may place an additional burden for residents who are already experiencing violence at home or in the workplace, which is why the city of Chicago is working with all of our partners to make sure those who need shelter or refuge from violence can get it when they need it," Lightfoot said in a news release. "We are committed to preserving the health and wellness of all our residents, but that doesn't just mean preventing the spread of COVID-19. We thank our partners at Lyft and Uber for stepping up during these difficult times and for aiding in our broader mission to connect residents of any age or gender with shelter and other potentially life-saving services."

The hotline experienced a 6 percent increase in domestic violence calls in Chicago in March compared to March 2019. On March 30, the hotline received 104 calls, the highest daily volume in over a year.

"During times of crisis, there may be an increase in domestic and sexual violence, while barriers to services are compounded," Illinois Department of Human Services Secretary Grace B. Hou said in a news release. "The health and safety of survivors across the entire state during COVID-19 is of the utmost importance to IDHS and Gov. Pritzker, and it's imperative that critical services like the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline, continue."

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Residents requiring transportation to flee a domestic violence or human trafficking situation can contact to the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline, which is available 24 hours a day, at 8-77-863-6338 or 877-863-6339. Operators will work to connect the caller, whose privacy will be protected, to the nearest Lyft or Uber driver in the area.

Lyft also is donating $10,000 in ride codes to help bring food and supplies to the those unable to leave their homes. New and existing Lyft users can use the codes "CHICAGOACCESS20" and "CHICAGORELIEF20" for a one-time $25 credit available for use on a first come, first utilized basis. The company also announced that it would be offering free rides to nonprofit workers in Boston.

A $1.2 million plan to increase the capacity of the state's network of services for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors during the coronavirus pandemic also has been announced.

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