Mandatory lockdowns for COVID-19 brought significant shifts to everyday life. People began working from home and homeschooling their children with limited access to amenities.
People in abusive relationships find themselves in close quarters with their partners and no way out. Those planning to leave became stuck with them during “shelter in place.” Social workers, childcare workers, teachers, and others who typically had regular contact with victims were removed from the equation.
The advent of social distancing also separated victims from family or friends who might spot signs of abuse and assist them in leaving. Fears of spreading COVID-19 closed available shelters, leaving victims nowhere to go. Courts were also closed, making protection orders difficult or impossible to obtain.
Key Takeaways
- Domestic violence is a frequently under-reported problem
- Disaster events tend to exacerbate stressors that can lead to mental health issues and intimate partner violence (IPV)
- Additional stressors include income loss, inability to pay rent and bills and buy food and other necessities
- COVID-19 lockdowns intended to prevent wide-scale infection prevented people from escaping abusive partners
- California saw a decrease in calls during the beginning of the lockdown when victims were unable to access services
The Shadow Pandemic: Tensions In Close Quarters
A report by the National Commission on COVID-19 and Criminal Justice states that nationwide, domestic violence increased an average of 8.1% in the months following the 2020 lockdowns. About one in four women experience IPV, and nearly one in ten men.
Types Of Domestic Violence
- Physical
- Psychological
- Emotional
- Sexual
Mingled finances also make it difficult for victims to leave their abusers, who may confiscate their paychecks and prevent them from moving.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A frequent indicator of intimate partner violence is the presence of a Traumatic Brain Injury or TBI. They are primarily associated with personal injury cases and professional athletes due to repeated blows to the head and neck. Multiple sources have noted that the pandemic lockdowns have led to a marked increase in IPV and have created a “shadow pandemic,” including increases in victims’ physical injuries.
Victims of domestic violence have long been able to seek help and report their abusers in a medical setting. But cancellations and closures meant non-emergency cases were relegated to phone and video calls or telemedicine. This left victims under surveillance by their abuser, unable to disclose their need for help.
After the abuse ends, survivors experience TBI following facial, head, and neck injuries and cognitive problems. Abuse injuries are evident when someone visits an emergency room with illness or injuries. PTSD and other mental health issues are also common.
Decreased Reporting
While initial reporting of domestic violence increased during the early days of the lockdowns, reporting fell sharply afterward. This trend concerns law enforcement since victims had more difficulty accessing assistance.
Pandemic Statistics
In Los Angeles, domestic violence calls decreased from March 19 through April 15, 2020, down 18% from the year before. San Francisco also saw a drop in DV calls. Cities around the country reported similar decreases.
When Police Arrive
The police will visit to investigate the call and decide whether they will make an arrest. They will speak to the parties separately, investigate the premises and examine the victim for injuries. Should the victim fail to press charges, the state will do it for them, and they cannot have the charges dropped.
An accused person should say little to the police and speak to a domestic violence attorney immediately.
Our Skilled Domestic Violence Attorneys Can Help
You have the right to an attorney if you’ve been accused of domestic violence in San Diego. California takes domestic violence seriously and imposes harsh punishments on those convicted. We will fight the charges to protect your rights and your freedoms.
What to Do Next
Domestic violence can leave abused parties in distress. But many calls lead to false accusations of abuse.
If you’re experiencing domestic violence:
There are resources available:
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 800-799-7233, available 24/7 by phone, text, chat, and social media.
- YWCA San Diego County, 619-234-3164 (24-hour hotline), located at 1012 C Street, San Diego, CA 92101, 619-239-0355.
- Center for Community Solutions, 1-888-385-4657, a 24-hour hotline for crisis counseling and support, information on restraining orders, 4508 Mission Bay Dr., San Diego, California 92109-4919. Services in English and Spanish, and includes services provided via telehealth.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
If you’ve been accused of domestic violence
False accusations of domestic violence are common, especially in divorce cases where one party believes they can gain favor in their case. Without a strong defense, you could lose custody of your children and have a permanent criminal record.
Conviction of domestic violence charges includes fines, jail time, restraining orders, mandatory domestic violence counseling for a year, and other penalties. Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who can defend you from domestic violence charges to protect your rights, reputation, and freedom.
Free Consultation with Our San Diego Domestic Violence Attorneys
A charge or conviction of domestic violence can have long-ranging effects on your employment, rights, and future. In our free one-hour consultation, we can discuss your case and strategies for your case. If you’re facing domestic violence charges in San Diego, contact one of our domestic violence attorneys to begin building your defense.
Contact our San Diego Domestic Violence Attorneys Today
You can call or text Sevens Legal at (619) 304-4993 or use our website contact form to schedule your free appointment with one of our experienced domestic violence attorneys.
