This article looks at how to prevent violent conflicts, especially while quarantined.
COVID-19 cases are surging across states, and domestic violence is on the rise as families are forced together into close quarters without the temporary reprieve of work, school or errands. Unfortunately, for more than 12 million victims of domestic violence, spending additional time at home is more troublesome than peaceful.
Official reporting on domestic violence won’t be released until next year, but already cities around the U.S. are reporting an increase in domestic violence-related crimes and homicides. This includes cities like Memphis, Milwaukee and the New Orleans area. Just outside of Fort Worth, Texas, in Tarrant county, domestic violence homicides have doubled.
Lynell Ross, the Resource Director for Test Prep Insight, is also a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Child Advocate for Placer County. In her work with foster children, she has seen a direct response to the pandemic. “With the added stress of people losing jobs, problems with finances, and having to help teach children at home, couples who were already in a difficult situation are now feeling overwhelmed,” she explains.
“Spouses or partners who already resort to verbal and physical abuse may feel more out of control and take their anger out on their partner or family.”
Ross worries that this will cement a growing trend. “Health professionals are concerned that the incidents of domestic partner violence will dramatically rise because couples are shut off from other people and are spending more time alone together. During a quarantine lockdown, spouses who experience violence may have nowhere to go and be trapped in a dangerous situation.”
Domestic violence is all too common in America today.
The CDC’s 2010 National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey is widely used for domestic violence statistics, and even a decade ago, the statistics were concerning.
Additionally, the National Institute of Corrections reports that women ages 18 to 24 and 25 to 34 generally experience the highest rates of intimate partner violence. The National Domestic Violence Hotline shows that 1 in 10 high school students has experienced physical violence from a romantic partner.
“Domestic violence doesn’t exist in a vacuum,” warns Michelle Jewsbury, an international philanthropist speaker and survivor of abuse. “Women are more susceptible to violent situations if they grew up in families where violence was accepted and boundaries weren’t acknowledged. Children who witness domestic violence are 15 times more likely to become victims of child abuse.”
We asked Morris about whether she has seen any difference in domestic violence reports with the pandemic. “In my office 100x,” she says resolutely. “I get calls during the middle of the night and early in the morning for help.”
With so many victims under one roof with their abusers, it’s possible that some may begin to normalize this behavior. These are some of the early warning signs to look for with domestic violence.
1 Verbal Abuse
2 Emotional Abuse
3 Physical Abuse
4 Financial Abuse
“Violent people are usually controlling and can be manipulative,” says Ross. “If you feel threatened or are afraid in any way, that is not a healthy relationship. No one deserves to be bullied, put down, made fun of or trapped.”
Leaving an abusive relationship isn’t easy and can take not only time but also a lot of planning. Our experts offer their best advice to help you protect yourself and escape domestic abuse.
“If violence escalates, keep calm and head to a safe spot,” says Ross. “Never yell or antagonize your abuser. Head to a place in the house with a door, exit or window to get out.”
“Let someone know that you may be in danger,” says Ross. “Come up with a code word that you can say to a family member, friend or neighbor if you need help.”
“Contact a Risk Management Consultant like me and get advice from a family law attorney,” advises Sacramento attorney and homicide prevention specialist Alexis Moore. “There are issues when one leaves the home, for example, that depend upon the jurisdiction. Restraining orders often trigger homicide, so they are not always the best option, and victims need to know all options, not just the standard restraining order as being the ‘solution.’”
“Save some money or create a personal bank account in case you need to flee the house,” says Jimena Picciano. A licensed marriage family therapist and owner of Hispanic Therapy in the Bay Area of California, where she focuses on trauma, depression, and anxiety. “Have an extra set of clothes in your car if you need to leave, and keep all your personal documents (ID, passports, insurance) in a safe space.”
Finally, Jewsbury urges you to stay strong. “If you are currently experiencing domestic abuse, it’s not your fault. Don’t blame yourself for getting involved or for staying,” she stresses.
As a survivor, she opted to turn her experience into a kind of personal therapy that, in turn, helps others. “It wasn’t until I began documenting my story on paper that I realized how bad the abuse was,” she says. “I was a strong, independent woman prior to this relationship, yet I fell victim. I also learned how prevalent domestic violence is in society.”
Smart home technology could also be a tool that saves your life. Many of the best home security systems are both affordable and reliable, and they can provide the proof you need to press charges against your abuser. These cameras can serve as an extra set of eyes to watch over what happens in your home – especially if you have children or pets.
However, just as you can use smart home tech, your abuser can just as easily use it against you. Remain vigilant in sweeping your home for cameras or alarms and check your router for anything not immediately visible.
If you are experiencing domestic violence in your home, many resources can help. Both the Department of Justice and FindLaw offer comprehensive listings of state-specific resources, and there are several national organizations and hotlines that stand ready to help.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
24/7 hotline and resource for domestic violence victims and survivors
Phone Number: 1-800-799-7233 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
Website: www.thehotline.org
Love is Respect
Resources and support for domestic violence with a focus on healthy relationships
Phone Number: 1-866-331-9474
Website: www.loveisrespect.org/
ChildHelp
Resource dedicated to child abuse
Phone Number: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)
Website: www.childhelp.org/
National Resource Center on Domestic Violence
Free technical assistance, training and resource materials for domestic violence intervention and prevention
Phone Number: 1-800-537-2238
Website: www.nrcdv.org
National Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence
Improves health care response to domestic violence by working with health care practitioners, administrators, domestic violence experts, survivors and policymakers
Phone Number: 1-888-792-2873
Website: www.futureswithoutviolence.org/health
Domestic Shelters
A comprehensive listing of shelters and resources for domestic violence victims
Website: www.domesticshelters.org/contact
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN)
24/7 hotline and support for sexual assault victims and survivors
Phone: 1-800-656-HOPE 1-800-656-4673
Website: https: www.rainn.org/contact-us
Safe Horizon
Domestic violence assistance and support
Phone Number: 1-800-621-HOPE
Website: www.safehorizon.org/
National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV)
An easy-to-understand legal resource in cooperation with WomensLaw.org
Phone Number: 1-800-799-7233 TTY 1-800-787-3224
Website: www.nnedv.org
National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center
Native nonprofit that addresses domestic violence for Indian women in conjunction with the National Indian Resource Center (NIRC)
Phone Number: 1-855-649-7299
Website: www.niwrc.org
Battered Women’s Justice Project Criminal and Civil Justice Center
Tackles the legal issues of domestic violence and provides technical support to advocates, attorneys, judges and law enforcement
Phone Number: 1-800-903-0111, ext 1
Website: www.bwjp.org
National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health
Offers comprehensive and culturally-sensitive support to survivors and their children who have experienced trauma from domestic abuse
Phone Number: 312-726-7020
Website: www.nationalcenterdvtraumamh.org
Resource Center on Domestic Violence: Child Protection and Custody
Provides resources and assistance regarding child protection and custody
Phone Number: 1-800-527-3223
Website: www.ncjfcj.org/family-violence-and-domestic-relations/
National LGBTQ Institute on Intimate Partner Violence
Committed to the safety and security of bisexual, trans, lesbian and gay victims of domestic and dating violence
Phone Number: 206-568-7777
Website: www.nwnetwork.org
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month may have come to an end with October, but for millions of victims worldwide, domestic violence knows no date. Still, it’s important to summon your courage and reach out because there are countless channels of support waiting to support and protect victims of domestic abuse.
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