Isolation And Social Anxiety Are Major Factors That Increase Incidents Of Domestic Violence During COVID 19
We are living through a once-in-a-century event – a pandemic shutting down nearly an entire globe. In some ways, we have more contact than ever with the outside world through technology. But the fact is that most of us are staying inside of our homes and limiting contact more than we have in generations. Although technology is great to keep us virtually connected, it can also contribute to isolation and stress. Both of which have been linked to a rise in domestic violence during COVID 19 and divorce filings.
The CDC has been tracking what they refer to as “excess deaths” due to COVID-19. Excess deaths are defined as the number of persons who have died from all causes in excess of the expected number of deaths for a given place and time as compared to prior time periods. In all, we are seeing 2 out of 3 excess deaths are due to the virus. COVID-19 infection does not account for that extra death during the same time period.
What about the other 1 out of 3 deaths?
What Can Account For These Statistics?
Distance learning and virtual employment have been around for a long while in various forms, but never have we seen people staying home and proceeding with education and employment in such numbers. There is also a higher percentage of underemployed and unemployed people than we typically see, and this disproportionately impacts lower income individuals. All of this contributes to what experts are referring to as COVID Fatigue.
COVID Fatigue is a mostly a result of the social changes caused by COVID. Health care providers are seeing an increase in people who are feeling defeated, burned out and engaging in risky behaviors that can increase the spread of the coronavirus. Patients are also reporting higher levels of depression, anxiety, and alcohol and drug dependency as the pandemic persists. Throw the pressures of providing for a family on top and one might see how a rise in domestic violence can be expected in some communities. In fact, according to the Center for Survivor Agency and Justice, authorities reported a whopping 50% increase in domestic violence during the pandemic.
What Are We Seeing As A Result of COVID Fatigue and Other Social Changes Brought On By COVID-19?
All of the changes a global, deadly virus requires have been an adjustment for everyone. But how does this account for that one out of every three excess deaths the CDC is tracking? Some of those excess deaths can be attributed to the additional strain on medical resources. However, that is not the only contribution to the excess death rate. Although crime overall has decreased during quarantine, we have also seen a significant rise in violent crime and domestic violence; this is a important contributor to that excess death.
Lower income and unemployment have always been known to contribute to domestic violence, even in the best of times. COVID fatigue as well as the incommensurate impacts to lower income households prove to have caused a statistical increase in domestic violence. Execute one web search about the studies of the impact COVID-19 has caused, and you will find dozens of results discussing how the pandemic has resulted in such a horrific increase of violence in our homes.
Where Do I Go If I Have Been A Victim Of Domestic Violence During COVID?
Help is available! If you have been the victim of domestic abuse, please know you are not alone and that there is help out there.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline
This website contains a hotline (1.800.799.SAFE) or a live chat option to speak to someone who can help. It includes warnings and directions for hiding internet use and preventing retaliation from an abuser.
Pinellas County’s official 501(c)3 domestic violence center. They operate the area’s 24-hour hotline and emergency shelter and non-residential programs, such as support groups, economic empowerment and legal advocacy
Florida Department of Children and Families – Domestic Violence Program
The Domestic Violence Program operates as the central clearinghouse for state and federal funding initiatives for the prevention and intervention of domestic violence. and provides leadership, education, training, technical assistance, advocacy and support to domestic violence center programs.
We Can Help
This pandemic is unprecedented in our lifetime. Everyone has been under more stress than ever before and the Law Offices of William B. Bennett, P.A. wants to assist you in reducing that stress. If you are seeking advice on divorce due to a domestic violence situation, contact us at (727) 821-8000 or contact us on our website here. We are here to help and dedicated to assisting you to get the best possible outcome for your case.
Tagged with: Coronovirus, COVID-19, Divorce, Domestic Violence
Posted in: Divorce, Domestic Violence, Family Law