Why Domestic Violence Cases Will Grow in 2021
Most people in the United States know a little something about domestic violence. It is discussed on television talk shows regularly and it has been the subject of many a movie and novel. When a person is murdered, their spouse is almost always considered a suspect and one cannot get on public transportation without seeing an ad or two for crisis centers that help battered partners.
Domestic violence cases are likely to grow in the year 2021, according to the National Institute of Health. COVID-19 has cause stay at home mandates all over the world. Many people across America have lost their jobs and dining in restaurants and other recreational activities are temporarily unavailable.
There are some countries that have had very strict stay-at-home orders. Some scholars believe that this will cause an increase in domestic violence especially in situations where women do not have equality.
An Increase in Reported Cases
The Middle East and North Africa have very few laws protecting women from being physically abused. They are expected to see an increase in domestic violence cases. Calls to domestic violence hotlines have seen an increase in South American countries since the pandemic began.
There has actually been a decrease in reports of domestic violence in the country of Chile. The United Nations believes that this is because women are afraid to report the violence as they are unable to leave.
In February of 2019, Police reports of domestic violence increased by three times in China.
Domestic Violence in The United States
In March of 2020, workers in domestic violence programs in New York City reported a decrease in attendance in the last 8 months. Mental health professionals are concerned that the lack of treatment combined with families being forced to stay at home will lead to more violence.
In mid-November, state and federal prosecutors in California reported a dramatic increase in domestic violence cases. Criminal defense lawyers appear all over the country are in demand as well.
How COVID-19 Regulations May Increase in 2021
President-Elect Joe Biden has vowed to ramp up social distancing and PPE regulations until a vaccine is widely available. People will have to continue staying inside with their families. It may be months before life goes back to normal.
Homeless shelters are being overwhelmed in the United States and many facilities that would normally be used as domestic violence shelters are being turned into emergency medical facilities.
Resources for families who are the victim of domestic violence are dwindling. Many shelters rely on federal funding and that is also dwindling in the time of the Coronavirus.
Prisons are considered a hotbed for Coronavirus and many of them have shortened sentences of inmates due to overcrowding and illness. The early release of prisoners may be another cause of increased violence during the pandemic.
What to do If You are a Domestic Violence Victim
In spite of the virus, there are still some resources available for victims. You can contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-500-1119. They can help point you in the direction of a temporary shelter. There are always counselors who offer sessions over Zoom, so you can get help without having to go out.
2020 was a terrible year for most people. 2021 may end up being just as challenging.
Authoritative Sources:
https://www.cfr.org/in-brief/double-pandemic-domestic-violence-age-covid-19
