Domestic Abuse Rates Surge Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

*Content Warning: Discussion of domestic and sexual abuse*

As the United States surpasses 1,600,000 COVID-19 cases, and states continue to enforce stay-at-home orders, and restrict public gatherings, victims of domestic abuse become all the more vulnerable. People who have previously found refuge in work, school, or social gatherings, are now left with no means of escapism, being forced back into home environments that cause physical, emotional, and mental tribulation. On top of that, perpetrators can now use the novel coronavirus as a means of suppressing victims further, by using it as an excuse for isolation, or even bribery. As Katie Ray-Jones, the CEO of the National Domestic Violence Hotline explains to TIME, “Perpetrators are threatening to throw their victims out on the street so they get sick. We’ve heard of some withholding financial resources or even medical assistance.”

While COVID-19 has exacerbated issues related to unemployment, poverty, and domestic abuse, it is in no way the cause. The World Health Organization declared that “one out of three women in the world will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, making it the most widespread but among the least reported human rights abuses.” Women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people of color are the most likely to be victims of sexual and domestic abuse, proving that sexual and domestic violence revolves around issues of power and privilege. Sexual assault requires an element of power over another. Simply put, abuse is centered around the socialization that has taught men, wealthy, white, and influential people to feel entitled to others. And frankly, the people who hold the power are only protected by our culture and justice system. As reported by the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) of every 1,000 credible sexual assault accusations that are taken to court, only 5 will lead to a felony conviction. Thus, not only does our justice system require victims to speak out against countless odds, but it blindly defends the powerful accused. Naturally, this only encourages repeated violence against others, and provides no support for victims.

The aspect of power when speaking about domestic and sexual violence is only heightened in the age of COVID-19, as victims are stripped of even more power. No longer can people leave their homes freely or attend work or school, so perpetrators of violence become all the more powerful. As reported by the World health Organization, “During times of crisis - such as natural disasters, wars, and epidemics - the risk of gender-based violence escalates.”

What experts in violence research fear, is that the abuse that victims face will dramatically become more and more violent and harmful without the escape of work, school, or socialization. Additionally, victims are faced with an unprecedented challenge of seeking help. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, victims had to battle a legal system actively working against them and social stigmatization; now, victims are faced with overworked and underfunded medical and psychological professionals who are preoccupied with immediate coronavirus relief. As Anita Bhatia, the Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Women reports to TIME that “in the best of circumstances, women already have a hard time being heard.”

Even the economic strife that the globe is currently facing dramatically impacts domestic abuse victims, as fiscal insecurities may force victims to stay with violent partners. As victims may lose their jobs and be more financially burdened, they may rely on the resources of a partner - despite the harm they inflict. On top of that, domestic violence social services for victims may suffer cuts in budget under a recession, as donations, government funding, and general business will decrease.

Now, do not get me wrong: Recklessly re-opening the United States at this time is irresponsible, dangerous, and oftentimes politically motivated. In no way should we encourage governments to put an unsuspecting public at risk, especially when marginalized people are disproportionately impacted. Instead, we need to allocate more resources towards victims of domestic abuse, and ensure that our culture better supports victims. In the immediate time, if you can, consider donating to organizations like the Domestic Abuse Intervention Services, Rape Crisis Center, The National Domestic Abuse Violence Hotline, National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, or the National Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence. Many of these organizations are altering their services to accommodate current circumstances, making at-home call sessions, providing medical resources to individuals in their homes, and group therapy sessions over Zoom sessions.

If yourself, a friend, or family member are in need of domestic or sexual abuse resources, please reference the following:

The National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-799-7233 (SAFE)

www.ndvh.org

National Dating Abuse Helpline

1-866-331-9474

www.loveisrespect.org

National Sexual Assault Hotline

1-800-656-4673 (HOPE)

www.rainn.org

Women of Color Network

1-800-537-2238