Why Less Calls to Domestic Violence Hotlines are a Problem

Historically, statistics show that domestic violence increases during natural disasters and crisis. In the aftermath of every natural disaster in recent history, both in the United States and around the world, reports of domestic violence have increased from 30% to almost doubling in some areas. This worldwide pandemic from COVID-19 is no exception. Statistics coming from countries that are further down the road than the U.S. in the timeline of COVID-19, show similar patterns of increase in domestic violence during shelter-in-place mandates:

* China – Domestic violence has tripled.

* France – 30% increase in domestic violence reports.

* Brazil – estimated 40-50% increase.

* United States – Increased reports of many areas of the nation.

But interestingly, many areas are seeing a DECREASE in domestic violence (DV) calls and reports. Why is this? To understand this decrease you have to understand statistics concerning DV calls and reporting. It is estimated that only 50% of domestic violence victims ever report their abuse to authorities. Of those that do report the abuse, most wait until the abuser leaves the home to call for help. But what if the abuser never leaves? As families are forced to shelter-in-place, victims are ‘sheltered’ with their abuser, with no opportunity to ‘safely’ report abuse to those that can help. So victims suffer in silence, unable to get help unless neighbors step in and call law enforcement for them. The calls for help often only come when the injuries are severe or life-threatening.

What can we, as a community, do to stop the rising tide of domestic violence in our area? Here are some ways that YOU can help:

1. Know the signs of abuse.Jealousy, controlling behavior, isolation, verbal abuse, cruelty to animals, unexplained bruises and injuries, etc. are signs you don’t want to ignore.
2. Trust your gut.If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. You can call law enforcement to do a safety check.
3. Keep the number to The Safe Place Shelter in your phone. You never know when you, or someone you know may need it. Our 24 Hour Hotline Number is 1.888.554.2501.
4. Be available to help. Allow victim to keep clothes, money, and important papers at your home. Have a code word that they can use to alert you to a situation in which they need help.
5. Keep a journal of what you see: Write down what you see and include date, time, location, and details of abuse.
6. Support your local Domestic Violence Shelter.Donate money, supplies, food, resources, etc. Call our Hotline Number to see how you can help!

For help in Conway County, call 501-354-1884, or in Perry County call 501-889-2030. For more information got to www.thesafeplacearkansas.com.

 

Campbell, Andrew M. “An Increasing Risk of Family Violence during the Covid-19 Pandemic: Strengthening Community Collaborations to Save Lives.” Forensic Science International: Reports, The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V., Dec. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc7152912/.

Campbell, Andrew M. “An Increasing Risk of Family Violence during the Covid-19 Pandemic: Strengthening Community Collaborations to Save Lives.” Forensic Science International: Reports, The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V., Dec. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc7152912/.