For people who are experiencing domestic violence, mandatory lockdowns to curb the spread of COVID-19 have trapped them in their homes with their abusers, isolated from the people and the resources that could help them.
Everyone is enforced to stay home
Domestic violence often spikes during economic downturns and stressful times. Now, with the addition of national and regional lockdowns and new self-isolation and quarantine measures, many families may become trapped in abusive situations.
Work or school may be their only refuge from abusers
Social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic has forced states to rethink their approach to social work, whether by finding safe strategies for staff to check on at-risk children in their homes or resorting to remote visits.
Financial and safety concerns amplify domestic violence amid COVID-19 pandemic
Social factors that put people more at risk for violence are reduced access to resources, increased stress due to job loss or strained finances, and disconnection from social support systems.
Strained finances from layoffs
Unemployment, health concerns and the added stress of having children at home and out of school are factors that can contribute to abuse conditions.
Fears about COVID-19 and its broader societal and economic impacts have fueled a rush on gun stores. The presence of a gun in a domestic violence situation increases the risk of homicide by 500%.
