Domestic Violence & COVID-19

 

This guest post is from Rachel Glines, Regent Family Law student:

What is “domestic violence”? According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, it is “the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another.” Further, about 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some type of physical abuse from an intimate partner. While the world has been in lockdown, due to the pandemic, has the rate of domestic violence changed?

 

According to an article published by the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, there has been an increase in domestic violence related reports and arrests during the pandemic. “In order to curb the spread of SARS-CoV-2 quarantines, social isolation, travel restrictions and stay-at-home orders have been adopted… Although these measures can be effective to control the spread of disease, they have a profound impact on society leading to social, financial and psychological repercussions. Isolation may expose or worsen vulnerabilities due to a lack of established social support systems. The temporary shutdown of non-essential businesses has led to unemployed and economic strain. Quarantine conditions are associated with alcohol abuse, depression, and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Stay-at-home orders may cause a catastrophic milieu for individuals whose lives are plagued by domestic violence.”  

 

For example, the police department in San Antonio, Texas reported an 18% increase in calls relating to family violence in March 2020. The Portland Police Bureau reported a 22% increase in arrests related to domestic violence in March 2020. The Sheriff’s Office of Jefferson County, Alabama reported a 27% increase of domestic violence calls during March 2020. Further, the New York City Police Department responded to a 10% increase in domestic violence reports.

 

While there has been an increase in domestic violence since the pandemic began, it is imperative to remember that resources are available for victims of domestic violence. To get help please see, the Virginia Sexual & Domestic Violence Action Alliance’s website, or at the National Domestic Violence Hotline’s website. Family restoration is needed more than ever in a pandemic.