Reports of domestic abuse across the country have dropped since COVID-19 stay-at-home directives began. But police and experts say that may be a problem.
Yes, you read that right: A drop in reports of domestic violence might be a bad sign.
The Marshall Project, which conducts award-winning nonprofit journalism about criminal justice, sought to examine more closely the media reports on an apparent decline in domestic violence calls to police.
They hit roadblocks right away. Most police departments, they found, lump domestic violence crimes in with their statistics on all crimes. Out of more than 40 cities they reviewed, Austin, Chandler, [Ariz.], and Chicago were “the only ones that also specifically flag domestic violence incidents in their public data.”
When they examined police reports in these three cities, the results were eye-opening. In Chandler, crime overall had dropped 44% from March 8 to April 12, but domestic abuse had dropped by just 18%. The same pattern repeated itself in Austin and Chicago.
Source: The Marshall Project, reported 4/22/20
Not only is COVID-19 (Coronavirus) forcing people to stay at home, which increases the tension in an abusive house and decreases a victim’s chances of relief. It’s also giving abusers another tool of control – ‘If I get arrested, I’ll get the virus in jail and then where will you and the kids be!’ – and causing holding cells and local jails to release more alleged abusers sooner to minimize the risk of infection among other inmates and jail personnel.
Here at Sheltering Wings, the number of people calling our 24/7 helpline is down slightly. We’re working on other ways to help victims contact us.
Meanwhile, if you suspect a neighbor or someone you see in a corner store is being abused, call the police. If you’re too uncertain to involve police, Sheltering Wings advocates can help you determine whether what you’re seeing warrants action. Call our 24-hour helpline at (317) 745-1496. However, if you see a crime taking place, call 911 immediately.
Remember: If you see something, say something! You may be someone’s only lifeline.
