Lockdown Orders Saving Lives, Risking Others
Domestic violence is surging around the world due to shelter-in-place orders to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Hotline numbers and local police have reported large increases in domestic violence calls. The Metropolitan police in London are arresting an average of 100 people a day for domestic violence offenses during the lockdown. Even in areas where reports are decreasing, experts say this is probably because victims have fewer opportunities to privately make calls, so the data may be misleading.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline defines domestic violence as “a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship.” This abuse comes in many forms, including physical and sexual violence, emotional abuse, and economic deprivation.
So Why is the pandemic causing an increase in domestic violence?
Global estimates from the World Health Organization indicate that about 35% of women worldwide have experienced physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime, which has both short- and long-term effects on victims and their children.
Risks escalate when there is a crisis. In part, this is because victims of domestic violence are separated from their social circles. Specifically, during COVID-19, victims have reported their abusers using the pandemic as an excuse to isolate them from their friends and family. Abusers are threatening to throw victims out on the street and withhold financial or medical aid in order to maintain control and deter victims from leaving.
Additionally, social, legal, and emergency services are often weakened during a crisis. Government officials mandated shelter-in-place orders without providing adequate resources for individuals in domestic violence situations. Families are locked in and spending more time together during a time of heightened economic and personal stress. Unfortunately, the same order meant to save lives from the virus is also putting more lives in danger. Without intervention, this could have a devastating, lasting impact on individuals, even when life returns to “normal.”
We want to provide information and tools for anyone who may be affected by domestic violence in this season. Even if you don’t think you know anyone experiencing this abuse, you can still help by raising awareness and calling on your government officials to protect victims. Additionally, domestic violence is often hidden and doesn’t always have clear signs, so we can help shed light on this problem by sharing this information.
What to do if someone you know may be in a domestic violence situation:
Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
The hotline has advocates available 24/7 at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) in more than 200 languages for free and confidential phone calls. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may use TTY 1-800-787-3224. The advocates are also available through live chat services online if a phone call is not possible.
Reach out and ask intentional questions.
It’s more difficult during this time to check in on friends and family to know how they’re doing. Especially since we’re unable to see people face-to-face, setting aside time to intentionally pursue conversations is essential. Look out for signs of abuse and let them know you’re there to listen. Start the conversation with things like, “I’m worried about you because…” and ask if everything is alright. Ask questions, but be patient and don’t force certain responses.
Come up with an action step.
Since people are stuck at home, this is more difficult than ever. However, some countries, like France, have established code words for victims to say to cashiers at pharmacies that indicate they’re in a domestic violence situation. If leaving isn’t an option, suggest utilizing the online chat services through Safe Horizon. While it seems as though there are no options with everything on lockdown, legal aid, victims’ services, and local shelters are still available.
While staying at home is the safest option for some, many individuals are trapped in abusive and potentially fatal circumstances without means of escape. By raising awareness and providing options and resources for victims, we can help save lives and reduce long-lasting traumatic impact.
About the Author
Abby Hopkins is a follower of Jesus and a fan of fresh cups of coffee paired with intriguing reads or thought-provoking conversations with friends. She often shares about her passions with excitement, which range from coding to sports to her favorite TV shows. She is studying Journalism with a certificate in Social Entrepreneurship & Nonprofits at the University of Texas at Austin. (She loves saying "Hook 'em" whenever she gets the chance.) After graduating in May, her dream is to impact the world through storytelling, mostly by written word, and continue to advocate for the voiceless.