Shelter-in-place orders have been made all over the country to keep the general public safe and flatten the curve of COVID-19. These orders are necessary, but they’ve put victims of domestic violence in danger. With closer proximity to their abusers, COVID-19 has made victims more vulnerable to abuse at the hands of their partners.
Domestic abuse victims aren’t able to leave their abusive homes without exposing themselves to a deadly virus, and with most of the world closing its doors, it has become harder than ever for them to find a safe place to stay. If you make the choice to press charges against your abuser, contact the talented legal team at Davis, Ermis & Roberts. We can help you successfully press charges against your abuser and finally take back your safety.
How Quarantine has Impacted Domestic Violence Rates
When the province of Wuhan was under strict lockdown in February, one police station had an influx of three times the normal rate of domestic violence complaints. Domestic violence hotlines in America have experienced a decrease in calls, but they don’t believe this to be good news. With victims being forced to stay home with their abusers, they might not be able to find a safe time or place to contact a hotline. Their abuser might be more alert and invasive than ever, scaring the victim away from helpful resources. COVID-19 has also given abusers more ways to torment their victims. They can threaten violence if the victim shows symptoms, inflict more physical harm and keep them from going to the hospital, and even purposefully hide disinfecting products like soap and hand sanitizer.
If you’re suffering increased abuse at the hands of someone in your household, there are ways you can reach out for help. Here are some of the resources you can use to escape your abuser.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 for abuse victims to call or text. If you need to get anything off your chest, ask for resources, or if you’re questioning whether or not your partner is abusive, call the NDVH. Your calls and texts are confidential and never recorded, and they can be deleted from your phone’s history before your partner sees.
Safe Horizons
Safe Horizons is a New York based organization dedicated to helping domestic abuse victims cope with and leave their dangerous situation. They offer a 24/7 hotline, chat service, and shelters for victims who need a place to sleep. Their website is constantly updating with news about how COVID-19 is impacting their organization. At this time, their shelters are still open to anyone who needs a place to stay.
Police Reports
If you’re in immediate danger, we urge you to call 911. Police officers are trained to handle domestic disputes, and they’ll tell you what you need to know to take action against your abuser. If they get multiple calls from your residence, you’ll be able to build a case against your abuser.
Restraining Order
A restraining order could be the only way to make sure you’re safe from the hands of your abuser. A good attorney will tell you everything you need to know about how to get a restraining order. If you have children who are also in danger, this might be the best way to keep them safe.
Davis, Ermis & Roberts can Help
At Davis, Ermis & Roberts, our lawyers are smart, well-equipped, and ready to fight for your safety. If you’ve decided to press charges against your abuser, we can help you build a solid case and give you the best chance at a court victory. We provide legal services 24 hours a day in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Call or visit our website to get in touch with an attorney now!