Domestic violence risk could grow during governor’s stay-home order

There are concerns that the number of domestic violence incidents could rise in Whatcom County during the statewide lockdown, as the coronavirus outbreak confines more people to their homes and contributes to job losses and other financial hardships. With some partners and children in quarantine with an abuser, we reached out to Elizabeth Hart, support programs manager for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services (DVSAS) in Bellingham. Here’s what Hart had to say about today’s heightened risk of domestic violence, what DVSAS is seeing on the ground and what resources and strategies are available to those living with abuse.

Are some people more at risk of domestic violence during the statewide stay-home order?

While the statewide stay-home order won’t make an individual become violent or abusive, it can increase the number of domestic violence incidents or make them more dangerous. With more people at home either working remotely or out of a job, abusive partners will be more present and have more time on their hands, which can escalate the situation and increase the violence.

We know that domestic violence is about power and control, and one of the most common tactics an abuser will use to gain and maintain that power and control is isolation. While an abuser could use any tool to exert control over a survivor, including public health concerns like the coronavirus, sheltering in place increases an abuser’s access to their partner and provides an extra way to manipulate and enforce that isolation.

An abuser having more access to their partner at the same time that community support and accountability systems are breaking down can make an already abusive situation more dangerous. Not being able to connect with social networks and community resources – that could be work, family, friends or DVSAS – increases a survivor’s vulnerability. Consider how extremely difficult it could be for a survivor to reach out for help when their abusive partner is able to watch everything they’re doing; there could be serious consequences.

Has DVSAS seen an uptick in domestic assault incidents during this time of social and economic turmoil?

Thus far, the volume of calls we’ve received has been consistent with previous weeks, but as people are adjusting their lives to the new reality of shelter-in-place and also finding it more difficult to reach out for assistance, I liken it to the calm before the storm. This is something we often experience during the holidays – it can be very calm while survivors are trying to lay low and just get through December, but once January arrives the number of survivors looking for support increases dramatically.

There are huge concerns as well in thinking about survivor safety as the financial impacts hit; many will experience a loss of income that makes it much harder to leave an abuser. A survivor may feel increasingly trapped in an abusive relationship because of the far-reaching economic impacts. One of our advocates noted that at this moment, a large portion of the calls we are receiving are survivors looking for support around financial and other tangible resources.

What should someone do if they are a victim? Who should they reach out to first?

It’s important for everyone to know that DVSAS services, including safe shelter, are still available, although our office is no longer open for walk-in services. If you or anyone you know is being affected by domestic or sexual violence, please call our 24-hour helpline at 360/715-1563 or 877/715-1563. Additionally, Lummi Victims of Crime offers a 24-hour helpline at 360/312-2015. The National Domestic Violence Helpline also offers a chat line that can be reached at thehotline.org/help.

Survivors can think about planning in-place strategies. Where is the safest place in your home? Can you talk with your children about how they can stay safer when abuse begins to escalate in the home? Is there a way for you to gather your strength in this time of considerable difficulty?

During these times, friends and families of survivors can also make an immense difference by providing support and community even while sheltering in place. Checking in over the phone or via text can help survivors feel connected and supported. Knowing someone is there to listen and not judge can create a lifeline for a survivor, and help them recognize that they are strong and courageous.