The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Everytown for Gun Safety are calling on Congress to include protections for domestic violence victims in the next coronavirus relief bill.

For over a month, governors in most states have advised the public to remain at home to curb the spread of the virus and stay safe. But for those in abusive relationships, home presents its own dangers . About four women a day are killed by intimate partners, most often using a gun.

While it is notoriously hard to measure domestic abuse rates due to underreporting, experts warn that this kind of violence has likely increased during the pandemic as victims are isolated with their abusers and support services are impaired. Many expect to see a rise in reported cases once stay-at-home orders are lifted and victims can seek help more easily.

On Tuesday, the two advocacy organizations released a slew of recommendations for the next coronavirus relief legislation, which Congress is drafting now. Chief on the list of demands is emergency funding for local hotlines and shelters providing direct services to victims.

Lawmakers planning future relief packages cant forget about the women trapped at home with their abusers as stress levels continue to rise, said Ruth Glenn, CEO of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. I think when restrictions are relaxed, to whatever degree, we will begin to see those survivors who have been cloistered begin to report.