Domestic Violence during the
Time of COVID
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Image Cred: Sophia Wright
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There is no evidence that COVID-19 causes domestic violence. There is no evidence that formerly nonviolent partners turn violent when forced to shelter in place. This is true even if that partner loses his job or is stressed by confinement. However, what we do know is that "exposure" or the number of hours a woman spends with her batterer leads to an increase in physical assaults and emotional and psychological abuse.
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Every year in America, we see an escalation of woman abuse during Christmas break and family vacations because women are forced to remain with their abuser 24/7. All evidence suggests that women in violent relationships may experience an escalation in frequency and severity of abuse during the Time of COVID.
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We observed an escalation of domestic violence in China when the first COVID-related quarantine was put in place. The same pattern occured as the novel corona virus swept through Europe with reports of increases as much as 100% in Spain and France. UN chief Antonio Guterres is calling for measures to address a "horrifying global surge in domestic violence" directed towards women and girls, linked to lockdowns imposed by governments responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID not only increases a woman's exposure to violence but the nature of help-seeking. Domestic violence shelters and hotlines are reporting phone calls from victims speaking in whispers as they are sheltered in place with an abusive partner.
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Chicago is no different. Chicago has experienced a 13% increase in 911 calls from victims or their neighbors reporting domestic violence. At the same time, we have a 23% drop in police reports meaning more victims are not following through with filing complaints. That may be explained by the fact that victims are confined with their batterer and it is not safe to make a police report.
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The most severe forms of domestic violence such as felonious assault, strangulation, stabbings, shootings are escalating compared to DV rates during same time period last year. Since our lockdown, Chicago has experienced three murders and 78 shootings by an intimate partner.
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During your shelter-at-home, you may hear an altercation or know of a friend or colleague who is being abused. Don't be afraid to call the police. We probably won't know the true escalation of DV until after the pandemic passes.
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If you or a friend need help escaping a violent partner, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or go online and click on the help button to chat with a counselor who can help you seek safety.
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Seniors asked to shelter in place, but...
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Older adults in long-term care facilities are subject to the same stay at home advisories, yet for many of the 1.5 million elderly nursing home residents, the home has become an unsafe and sometimes dangerous place. Read powerful piece op-ed piece in TheHill written by Dr. June McKoy and colleagues.
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COVID-19 Hot Spots In Chicago’s African American Communities
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African Americans represent 57% of all COVID-19 deaths in Chicago. In just the last two-weeks, the number of Black victims has tripled. CBS 2 Investigator Dorothy Tucker first identified five hot spots using maps CBS 2 created. The blue points on the map represent COVID-19 deaths. Most of them are located in Chicago’s Black communities, the hot spots for COVID-19 deaths.
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When we consider African American labor sectors, many are on the front lines in essential roles related to food supply chains. Click below to learn more from Northwestern's epidemiologist Dr. Mercedes Carnethon.
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Surge in Domestic Violence cases
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During a recent interview with WGN Radio, Dr. Lori Post talks about protecting victims of abuse during the coronavirus pandemic and the support that is available for anyone experiencing domestic violence. Click to Listen
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Open Position - Health Economist
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The Buehler Center is seeking a full-time health economist at any rank. Responsibilities include maintaining an active research program as an independent investigator and collaborations with other interdisciplinary biomedical, public health, or social science research teams. Learn more
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