Domestic Violence Amid the Pandemic
Updated: Oct 18, 2021
Domestic violence occurs when a partner in an intimate relationship
attempts to maintain power and control over the other partner through
avenues such as physical and sexual violence, intimidation, isolation from
healthy social supports, emotional and verbal abuse, financial abuse, and
use of children, among others.
We know that domestic violence is common; according to the Center for
Disease Control (CDC), it affects millions of people in the United States each
year. About 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men have experienced physical
violence, sexual violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner within their
lifetime. Domestic violence is not limited to heterosexual relationships; in
fact, those in the LGBTQ+ community experience the same, if not higher,
rates of domestic violence than the heterosexual community and present
with distinctive barriers.
Domestic violence can have both immediate and lasting impacts on the
survivor such as physical injury, chronic physical health issues, and death.
Many survivors often experience depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and
self-worth, and Post-Traumatic-Stress symptoms that can be incapacitating
for the survivor. On a larger scale, the Center for Disease Control (CDC)
estimates that the lifetime economic costs of domestic violence (through
medical care, criminal justice services, etc.) is $3.6 trillion.
It is important to note that domestic violence was a public health issue prior
to the COVID-19 pandemic that hit early 2020. A year and a half into the
pandemic, these rates have grown substantially, about 8% according to an
analysis by NCCCJ. In a world of “the new normal”, we are seeing increased
unemployment rates, financial strain and debt, isolation from social supports,
and restricted access to resources due to influx of need and transition to
services being held virtually. Many families are experiencing extreme
hardship as a result. For those also impacted by domestic violence, the new
normal has been debilitating and has left them with even more
overwhelming barriers to staying safe and/or leaving an abusive/violent
relationship.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call
DASACC’s 24/7 hotline and speak to an advocate today. We offer a wide
range of free services including safety planning, case management, legal
advocacy, safe shelter, group counseling, and individual counseling. You are
not alone.
24/7 Hotline/Helpline: 908-453-4181
24/7 Web Chat: https://www.dasacc.org/web-chat