Perspectives
COVID-19 and its Affect on Domestic Violence Victims
As many Americans hunker down in their homes obeying Stay at Home Orders, Domestic Violence is on the rise. Victims who are normally able to escape their abuser for eight hours during the average workday can no longer count on that break.
As more and more people lose their jobs everyday, financial stress, fear, and isolation can drastically change a household. In fact, staying home can be deadly to some due to these climate changes.
Domestic Violence comes in many shapes and forms and is not always physical. Domestic Violence does not discriminate and people of all races, genders, and sexual orientations can fall victim.
While it seems like the world is on lockdown due to COVID-19 restrictions, there are still plenty of resources to help you through whatever you may be experiencing.
What are those resources?
Call 9-1-1
While it may seem obvious, calling your local police should always be your first step when you feel unsafe. However, If you do not feel safe calling the police due to lack of privacy, there are other options.
Get out of the House
While Stay at Home orders require you to not leave your home, except for essential services, this does not apply to domestic violence victims who are in imminent harm if they continue to stay home. If you feel unsafe, it is important to leave immediately to stay with a friend, family, or co-worker. If you have nowhere to go, there are various safe shelter options. Crisis Centers, like Minnesota’s DayOne and Wisconsin’s Bridge to Hope, can help you find a safe place to stay.
Call a Crisis Center
Crisis hotlines like Minnesota’s DayOne and Wisconsin’s Bridge to Hope can provide help 24/7/365. There are also national hotlines available and hotlines that tailor to each and every relationship.
Helplines are helpful in both lending an ear and helping you find resources. If you need a place to stay, they can help you find a safe shelter. If you need someone to talk to, they can help you find a counselor. Whatever your needs are, these hotline operators will speak to you in a confidential and respectful manner, while helping you out in your time of need.
DayOne Crisis Hotline
866-223-1111
Minnesota hotline for those experiencing domestic violence
Bridge to Hope
800-924-9918
Wisconsin hotline for those experiencing domestic violence
The National Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-7233
Casa de Esperanza (Espanol)
651-772-1611
National Deaf Domestic Violence Hotline
Videophone: 855-812-1001
deafhelp@thehotline.org
ThinkSelf-Deaf Advocacy Services
Videophone: 651-829-9089
Text Hotline: 621-399-9995
OutFront Minnesota
612-822-0127
LGBTQ+ Anti-Violence Crisis Line
Room to Be Safe
414-856-5428
LoveIsRespect.org
866-331-9474
For Teens Experiencing Dating Violence
StrongHearts Native Helpline
844-762-8483
Native American Domestic Violence Helpline
File an Order for Protection
While courts are closed for all non-essential business, courts in every state are still hearing cases where someone has filed an Order for Protection. An Order for Protection filed with the court may save your life if you are being abused.
Domestic Abuse is defined as occurring to a family or household member if committed by a family or household member. A household member as:
• Spouse or former spouse;
• Parents and children;
• Persons related by blood;
• Persons who are currently live together or who have lived together in the past;
• Persons who have a child in common, regardless of whether they have been married or have lived together at any time;
• A man or woman if the woman is pregnant and the man is the alleged to be father, regardless of whether they have been married or have lived together at any time or;
• Persons involved in a significant romantic or sexual relationship.
Call our experienced attorneys to get further information on how and where to file an Order for Protection in your state.
The main thing to remember when you are suffering from Domestic Abuse, no matter where it is occuring, is that it is not your fault and there is help available. There are much better options than to stay at home and risk your life.
If you have specific questions or wish to speak to an attorney regarding your case or any of the options above, please reach out to one of our experienced attorneys.
Posted April 10, 2020