The pandemic that began in March 2020 has partners and families spending more time together at home.

 

And it also gives a controlling partner just another excuse to exert more control over their victim.

 

For someone in an abusive relationship, the living situations created by this virus might be their worst nightmare.

 

As the virus continues to plague our country, it is important that we have conversations and raise awareness about domestic violence.

 

Why is Domestic Violence Spiking During the Pandemic?

 

The additional time together has the potential to lead to an increase in domestic abuse. But it isn’t just the extra time. The extra stress brought on by the pandemic is also a contributing factor to domestic violence spikes.

 

The stress alone is enough to have tension high and people lashing out. But let’s look even deeper. Increased stress can also lead to other actions like increased drinking. And this leads to an increase in domestic violence and domestic abuse.

How to Recognize Domestic Violence

You might be a victim of domestic violence and not even realize it. Here are signs to pay attention to in your relationship:

 

• • • • You and your safety are being threatened.
      • Your partner is harming you, your children and/or your animals.
      • They are being verbally and emotionally hurtful.
      • You’ve noticed repeated episodes of explosive anger.
      • You are being blamed for the violence in your relationship.
      • The abusive behavior is only exhibited around you.

Solutions to Dealing with Domestic Violence During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Getting help or leaving an abusive situation can be intimidating. Depending on the severity of the abuse and violence in your relationship, you might need to handle the situation differently.

 

If someone you live with displays the warning signs of abuse, then we recommend you put together a plan and consider the following:

 

Use technology cautiously.

 

Abusers might intercept calls, read your calling or texting history, or search phone billing records or search history.

 

Be cautious when talking on the phone and using the computer. Always do so in a safe space, and if you have access to a public computer such as at work, the library or a friend’s house, use it instead.

 

Frequently change passwords.

 

Choose passwords that would be hard for them to guess and change it regularly. They will do everything they can to figure it out, so just changing it once isn’t enough.

 

Confide in someone you trust.

 

It can be a friend, a loved one, a neighbor, a spiritual adviser. They are on the outside and have access to the resources that can help you. They can be your ally.

 

Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

 

800-799-7233

 

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is for crisis intervention and referrals to resources, such as women’s shelters.

 

Help for Domestic Violence

 

Remember, you are not alone.

 

No one deserves to be a victim of abuse and help is available.

 

The Purple Jewel Corporation began to help “Extinguish the Rage” of domestic abuse and domestic violence. By providing support to women by way of referral services, we are improving the quality of their lives.

 

If you have a need, contact us today.

 

No one person can single-handedly stop domestic abuse and violence. But together, we can continue working to make a difference.

 

Most of the country is focused on the COVID-19 pandemic we have been facing for nearly a year now. And rightfully so, as thousands continue to become ill and even lose their lives to this virus.

 

But meanwhile, there are others who are now facing a pandemic within a pandemic – domestic violence in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

As cases began to surge, stay-at-home orders were put in place, schools were closed, workers were laid off or told to work remotely. With people’s normal routines and movement now limited, and most confined to their home the majority of the time, many victims found themselves trapped with their abusive partner.

 

Domestic violence hotlines prepared for an increase in calls. But according to the New England Journal of Medicine, calls dropped by more than 50 percent in some regions.

 

This doesn’t mean the abuse and violence isn’t happening though – it just means it isn’t getting reported.

Domestic Violence and Children

 

Especially with students also working from home, intimate partners are not the only ones becoming victims to this abuse and violence.

 

Did you know it is estimated that between 8 million and 15 million children are exposed to adult domestic violence each year?

 

And especially with students learning from home, children are affected in households where domestic violence is present even more with more time behind closed doors.

 

The long-term effects this kind of environment can have on a child is substantial.

 

Children who witness domestic violence or are victims themselves can experience long-term physical and mental health problems. They might also be at a greater risk for being the violent partner in their future relationships.

 

All of this in addition to the educational and developmental consequences they will suffer as their routines and ability to participate in educational activities are hindered.

Why Do Victims Stay?

 

One of the most common questions people ask is “why do victims stay?”

Fear

 

While the consequences of staying might seem bad, the consequences of leaving can seem far more intimidating to the victim. The fear could be surrounding their partner’s reaction to them leaving or of their own ability to be independent.

Normalized abuse

 

For some people, abuse seems like the normal way of life. A child who grew up in an abusive home might see an abusive home as an adult as “the way things are done.” For this reason, they might not even fully recognize the extent of the abuse.

Shame

 

It is difficult to admit to being the victim of abuse. The victim might feel as though they have done something wrong or they let this happen to them. Sometimes the shame is enough to keep them complacent.

 

These are just a few of the reasons people stay. It is important to remember that everyone’s story is different, and you can’t say for sure how you would react in this situation either.

 

During a pandemic, these reasons can even have other reasons added, such as:

 

• Their partner is sick, who will take care of them if they leave?
• They lost their job, so they need their partner’s income.
• They can’t find a roommate or a new place to live in the middle of a pandemic.

How You Can Help a Domestic Violence Victim through Purple Jewel

 

We are dedicated to supporting women experiencing domestic abuse and domestic violence by way of referral services.

 

We strongly believe in making resources readily available to those who need them the most. And during a time when domestic violence is on the rise, these services are needed more than ever.

 

Join us in fighting this fight.