Business & Corporate Law

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DURING THE COVID-19 GLOBAL PANDEMIC

Across the globe as more and more people are dealing with mandatory stay-at-home orders, the number of domestic violence incidents increases.  People are being forced to stay in their homes almost twenty-four hours a day, often in close quarters with household members.  On top of the close quarters, the global pandemic is causing high levels of stress and people are isolated from their family and other support systems.  All of this leads to an environment where the instances of domestic violence increases.

            The National Domestic Violence Hotline states that in addition to physical and mental abuse, COVID-19 specific forms of domestic violence can include:

• Abusive partners may withhold necessary items, such as hand sanitizer or disinfectants.
• Abusive partners may share misinformation about the pandemic to control or frighten survivors, or to prevent them from seeking appropriate medical attention if they have symptoms.
• Abusive partners may withhold insurance cards, threaten to cancel insurance, or prevent survivors from seeking medical attention if they need it.
• Programs that serve survivors may be significantly impacted –- shelters may be full or may even stop intakes altogether. Survivors may also fear entering shelter because of being in close quarters with groups of people.
• Survivors who are older or have chronic heart or lung conditions may be at increased risk in public places where they would typically get support, like shelters, counseling centers, or courthouses.
• Travel restrictions may impact a survivor’s escape or safety plan – it may not be safe for them to use public transportation or to fly.
• An abusive partner may feel more justified and escalate their isolation tactics.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline also advises that they have had instances of abusers using COVID-19 as a way to scare their victims into not seeing their children or other family members.  In one instance, a health care worker reported being physically abused because the abuser believed the victim was trying to infect him/her with COVID-19.

            If you or someone you know is facing a domestic violence situation during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are resources available to help you.  

IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER OR THERE IS AN EMERGENCY SITUATION, DIAL 911.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline may be reached by victims and survivors 24/7 by calling 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224 for or if you’re unable to speak safely, you can log onto www.thehotline.org and click “chat now” or text LOVEIS to 22522.

            In Philadelphia, call the citywide, 24-hour, even during the city-wide stay at home order, Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-866-723-3014 or 215-456-1529 anytime for crisis intervention, safety planning, resources and referrals. All calls are free, confidential and anonymous.

            Other local domestic violence resources in Pennsylvania may be found on the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence’s website at https://www.pcadv.org/find-help/find-your-local-domestic-violence-program/

            In New Jersey, a statewide domestic violence hotline is available at 1-800-572-SAFE (7233), and can help direct survivors to the resources closest to them.  Each county has resources available which may be found on the New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence website at: https://njcedv.coalitionmanager.org/contactmanager/contact/publicdirectory

            While many of the local courts are closed to the public, they remain open for emergency matters such as Protection from Abuse Orders and/or restraining orders.  Please contact our office to speak with one of our experienced Family Law attorneys to talk about your legal options.

           Please feel free to contact this office to speak with one of our experienced attorneys about any such questions or concerns.