Domestic Violence Incidents On the Rise During COVID-19 Quarantine
Reports indicate that domestic violence has risen globally during the COVID-19 quarantine. According to the New York Times, data shows that domestic violence goes up during times like the holidays, when families spend more time together.
Some experts pointed to the quarantine and social-distancing as another such instance during which domestic abuse could flourish due to close proximity.
Indeed, as the quarantine has been implemented around the world, law enforcement, domestic violence hotlines and support organizations have indicated an uptick in violence at home. Accordingly, Bloom Legal is open and ready to help you protect your rights during this difficult time. Contact us to speak to a New Orleans domestic violence lawyer today.
Social Distancing and Increased Time Spent At Home Is Directly Correlative to Domestic Violence In Louisiana
Gov. John Bel Edwards instigated a statewide stay-at-home order back in March. Residents of Louisiana are not to leave their homes except for essential reasons, like work, groceries and doctor visits.
The quarantine is a necessary measure to curb the spread of COVID-19. However, with it comes many departures from our regular ways of living. For many the increased time at home can exacerbate relationships and volatile situations.
Data shows that increased time at home can lead to a rise in domestic violence. Additionally, a 2019 study drew a correlation between the increased stress caused by disaster situations and an increase in domestic violence in the home.
Unfortunately, the Coronavirus quarantine is a kind of perfect storm in this case.
Domestic Violence Is More Common Than You May Think, Particularly in Louisiana
The numbers on domestic violence in the US are alarming to say the least. Per the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, more than 10 million women and men are abused every year in America. One in four women and one in nine men have experienced some kind of violence or abuse from a partner.
Domestic violence in Louisiana is particularly prevalent. Louisiana routinely ranks high nationally for domestic violence and abuse. Domestic violence is overwhelmingly inflicted on women by men, and in Louisiana, this violence all too often turns deadly.
During this time of quarantine, partners and spouses are forced to spend an increased amount of time together, as folks are being told to stay home as much as possible and many people are out of work. The high stress of the situation may also be a factor in increasing violence in the home.
How To Prevent Fights From Escalating During the Coronavirus
During the quarantine, families and partners are being forced to spend far more time together than usual. And gone are many of the practical means of taking time away to recover, cool off, or provide prospective.
Follow some of these tips for preventing domestic violence during COVID-19:
- Remember that this is a high stress situation, and it may affect people differently.
- Practice patience
- Check in on your loved ones regularly
- If an argument begins to get heated, or if you feel you may act in a way you will regret, take a walk to cool down. Parks are still open, just remember to practice social distancing.
- Many therapists and counselors are still offering remote sessions. If the COVID quarantine is bringing out underlying issues in your relationship, it could be good to get some help from a professional.
Signs of Domestic Violence
Knowing the signs of domestic violence can be important to prevent serious injury or death. Abuse can be physical as well as psychological. So some of the more evident signs of domestic violence, such as physical injuries, do not always need to be present to indicate that something could be wrong.
Some of the signs of domestic violence in Louisiana are:
- Verbal abuse
- Verbal threats of violence
- Possessiveness and jealousy
- Routinely bad temper
- Unpredictable behavior
- Cruelty to animals
- Trying to control their partner
- Blaming their partner whenever something bad happens
- Humiliation and criticism
- Viewing a partner as property or an object, rather than as another person
What To Do If You’re Falsely Accused
Though domestic violence is a real issue that affects people all across Louisiana and the whole country, in some cases people are falsely accused of domestic violence.
A domestic violence charge can result in loss of custody of children, divorce, jail time, and many more negative consequences. Thus, even a false accusation can carry serious consequences.
If you believe you have been falsely accused of domestic violence in Louisiana, you should speak to a criminal defense attorney ASAP. In all likelihood, the accuser has already spoken with police and may have retained their own legal counsel. You will want to make sure you are protecting and preparing yourself for what could be a complicated and protracted legal battle.
Your New Orleans domestic violence attorney can determine whether there is a warrant out for your arrest, and help deal with it if there is. They will gather evidence and testimony to build your defense. They will advise you on what steps to take so as to stay out of trouble and protect your reputation, job, and life.
Bloom Legal Is Here To Help
If you or someone you know has been impacted by domestic violence, you should speak with a domestic violence lawyer in Louisiana today. We understand that these things can be difficult to talk about. We have been helping families deal with issues with confidentiality and professionalism for a decade and a half.
Particularly during these trying times of the COVID-19 pandemic, domestic violence can have deep impacts in a family. Domestic violence can result in arrests, criminal charges, child custody issues and more. That’s why it’s so important to deal with this issues, before things get worse.
Give us a call today for a free consultation with our top domestic violence legal team.
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Posted By: Zachary Klos