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Domestic violence reports have taken a dip since states began implementing stay-at-home orders due to the novel Coronavirus. The new numbers reported by The Marshall Project, a nonprofit which focuses on criminal justice in the United States, come bittersweetly.
Why Less Reports Might Be More Dangerous
With less space between the abuser and the victim, the window of opportunity to report abuse has shortened. The Marshall Project noted this as an important aspect as to why there are fewer reports. According to experts The Project interviewed, victims of domestic abuse now have to weigh the benefit of whether to report an abuser or not.
Pre-Coronavirus, victims of domestic violence had outlets regarding their abuse. They could seek counselors, speak with friends, visit and stay with family if the abuse became too much, or, hopefully, could report the domestic violence to the police.
During stay-at-home orders, victims’ outlets have now dried up. This has caused for victims of domestic abuse to be warry and afraid of reporting their abusers. Victims now fear they face retribution by their abuser for reporting them since Coronavirus has limited the places victims can go.
Abuse is Becoming More Violent
After gathering data from police departments, The Marshall Project found that while most crime has dropped, The Project noted, “But domestic violence numbers are falling less than crime overall…”
For these reasons, police and The Marshall Project predict that the decrease in reports might be a far greater danger. In fact, the types of violence like murders, shootings, and strangulations committed against victims has increased even though overall reports do not.
Who is Reporting Domestic Violence?
While there has become a decrease in domestic violence by victims, cities around the United States are seeing an increase in third-party reporting. This kind of reporting comes from neighbors, friends, family, or other witnesses.
If you happen to be a victim of domestic violence or know a victim of domestic violence, remember yours and their rights. Victims can help themselves by reaching out to police if they currently are being abused.
Or, victims can try calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 to learn more about how to handle their particular situation and about preparing to safely leave an abuser.
If a victim has also managed to escape the abuse and feels protected, they also have rights in civil courts. One option is to sue your abuser for damages. However, having an experienced attorney at their side would be the best way to produce justice for a victim.
Do you have a domestic abuse civil claim of your own? Have you been a victim? For questions, send us a message or fill out our free form below for a free consultation with a top NYC law firm.
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