Domestic Violence Rises

during Covid-19 pandemic

By Jialu Xiang

What is Domestic Violence?

Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) has defined domestic violence as “felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse or intimate partner, by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction receiving grant monies, or by any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction”(OVW).[i]

Here is the generally accepted definition from United Nations, who defines domestic violence as “a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner”. The term is also called “Intimate Partner Violence” (United Nations).[ii]

[i] Domestic Violence. The U.S Department of Justice. Retrieved 11 December 2021, from https://www.justice.gov/ovw/domestic-violence.

[ii] What Is Domestic Abuse? United Nations. Retrieved 11 December 2021, from https://www.un.org/en/coronavirus/what-is-domestic-abuse.

About 1 in 4 women and nearly 1 in 10 men have experienced domestic violence during their lifetime and reported some form of IPV-related impact.

source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC)

Domestic Violence Rises During Pandemic In The U.S

A study conducted by National Commission on Covid-19 and criminal Justice(NCCCJ) estimates that domestic violence incidents increased 8.1% during the lockdown order period and domestic violence calls increased 9.7% (Alex. R, 2011).[i]

Here are some open data recording domestic violence reports during the stay-at-home period from the local police station:

  • The Portland Police Bureau recorded a 22% increase in domestic violence arrests.
  • The San Antonio Police Department noted an 18% increase in calls.
  • The Sheriff's Office in Jefferson County Alabama reported a 27% increase in calls.
  • The New York City Police Department responded a 10% increase in reports (Brad Boserup, 2020).[ii]

[i] Council on Criminal Justice. (2021). Domestic Violence During COVID-19 [Ebook]. Retrieved 11 December 2021, from https://build.neoninspire.com/counciloncj/wp-content/uploads/sites/96/2021/07/Domestic-Violence-During-COVID-19-February-2021.pdf.

[ii] Boserup, B., McKenney, M., & Elkbuli, A. (2020). Alarming trends in US domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. The American journal of emergency medicine, 38(12), 2753-2755.

Pandemic did not "cause" domestic violence, but it did create an environment

1. Abusers gain more power

Abusers have more opportunities to restrict their victims' use of their electronic devices and prevent them from seeking outside help.

Here is some evidence :

National Domestic Violence Hotlines, is a government-suggested national-level non-profit for domestic violence victims. Their 2020 report shows a 6% decrease in domestic violence-related calls during March, which is the stay-at-home period. After the order gradually lost its effect, they saw a 15% increase in contact volume in April(National Domestic Violence Hotlines, 2020).[i]

[i] National Domestic Violence Hotline. (2020). COVID-19 Special Report [Ebook]. Retrieved 11 December 2021, from https://www.thehotline.org/wp-content/uploads/media/2020/09/The-Hotline-COVID-19-60-Day-Report.pdf.

 

2. Economic insecurity

People experienced economic insecurity during Covid-pandemic. For instance, the unemployment rate increased during this period. The increasing economic insecurity might increase the likelihood of victims returning to abusers

3. Support Limitations

Feedback from CAPSEA, an NGO focused on supporting violence victims:

  • Public transportation can not reach the shelter.
  • Shelter capacity changes due to social distancing requirements.

Icon from Canva

Good News:
Efforts have been made!

The COVID-19 Global Gender Response Tracker, run jointly by UN Women and UNDP, shows that some cities have taken steps to combat the negative effects of Covid-pandemic.

  • In D.C. and New York, temporary protection orders were extended for domestic violence victims during the lockdown period.
  • In New York, the state Office to Combat Domestic Violence launched a new text program and confidential online service.
  • In Massachusetts, the state's confidential domestic violence hotline was upgraded to handle more domestic victims.
  • In Massachusetts, the office of the Attorney General posted an online clearinghouse of resources to help victims quickly shut down resource sites to avoid alerting their abusers (UN Women, UNDP, 2021).[i]

[i] COVID-19 Global Gender Response Tracker. UNDP Data Futures Platform. Retrieved 11 December 2021, from https://data.undp.org/gendertracker/.

 

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez from Unsplash

We can also help!

The first step is to establish a safe communication channel since abusers might be monitoring victims’ electronic devices.

      Make sure you stay in touch and avoid alerting the abuser. Told victims that they’re supported, and you are always there willing to help.

Provide resources to help victims reach out (NNEDV).[i]

[i] Tips for helping a friend experiencing domestic abuse during COVID-19. Nnedv.org. Retrieved 11 December 2021, from https://nnedv.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Library_COVID_helping_a_friend.pdf.

Women's Center&Shelter of Great Pittsburgh

Emergency Hotline (24/7): 412-687-8005

Texting: (412) 744-8445

Chat Online: https://wcspittsburgh.org/what-we-do/programs-services/hotline/

CAPSEA: Elk and Cameron County Victims Service Agency

Emergency Hotline (24/7):

Domestic Violence Resources Guide

https://pittsburghpa.gov/police/domestic-violence-resource-guide

Reference:          

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