Did the Pandemic Spur a Domestic Violence Epidemic?

Posted on: October 6th, 2021 by Dod Law

The COVID-19 Pandemic has brought about unimaginable hardships on people as they have tried to adjust to the new reality that we live in today. When the Pandemic shut down the world, forcing individuals to stay in their homes, many relished the opportunity to spend time in their safe havens instead of an office or a classroom. However, for victims of domestic violence, the home has never been a safe place. By April of 2020, there had been over half a million reported cases of domestic violence in the United States. Now, nearly two years since the beginning of the Pandemic, the number of reported domestic violence cases has only continued to grow. 

Attorney Dod of Dod Law understands how damaging domestic violence can be for all parties involved. As more and more domestic violence cases are reported daily, it begs the question of whether the global Pandemic has spurred a domestic violence epidemic in the United States?

How Did the Pandemic Cause a Domestic Violence Epidemic?

When the Pandemic began, many jobs and classes went remote, travel was restricted, and businesses shut their doors, forcing most of the population to stay inside. This was a great opportunity for many people to spend quality time at home with their loved ones, relaxing and doing the things they enjoyed. Unfortunately, for victims of domestic violence, the stay-at-home-order meant there was no escape from their abuser. For domestic violence victims, the precious hours where they are at work, school, or their abuser is gone for the day is the only peace they have. When that was taken away, victims found themselves subjected to uninterrupted time with their abuser with seemingly nowhere to go. While the Pandemic brought a frighteningly high increase in domestic violence reports, as the world opens back up, now is the time for them to choose to leave their situation and find safety. 

What Resources are Available for Domestic Violence Victims?

Now that the world has begun to open up again, it is the perfect opportunity for victims of domestic violence to make their move to leave their situation and start fresh. Leaving an abusive situation, especially if you have been with your abuser for many years, is no small feat and will likely not happen overnight. While you victims may not decide to leave immediately, the following resources are available to help them get to safety and start their lives fresh:

• Domestic Violence Shelters in the area they live
• National Domestic Violence Hotline
• National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
• Family or friends who can provide you shelter

If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, do not hesitate to share these resources with them. While they may not utilize them right away, it could be life-saving to know what they can do to get help for themselves if they are in trouble. 

What to Do If You Have Been Wrongfully Accused of Domestic Violence?

A domestic violence accusation can have adverse effects on a person’s life. While no one wants to accuse a person of making a false accusation of domestic violence, it does happen. A person who is wrongfully accused of domestic violence may suffer in many ways, including difficulty getting a job, damage to their reputation, and strained relationships with their friends and family. If you have been wrongfully accused of domestic violence, you should do the following:

• Do not have any contact with your accuser
• Respect the judge’s orders concerning the case
• Do not argue with your accuser
• Do not quit your job as this could make people assume you are guilty
• Contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer

A criminal defense lawyer may be able to help you build a strong case and help you pursue justice. 

Get Help From a California Domestic Violence Lawyer

A domestic violence accusation can ruin a person’s life. If you have been wrongfully accused of domestic violence, you do not need to go through this challenging time on your own. Get help from a California domestic violence lawyer to help you build a strong case and pursue the justice you deserve. 

Attorney Dod has over 17 years of experience helping his clients get the second chance they deserve. He is proud to provide his clients with the personalized and dedicated representation they deserve. To schedule a free case review, contact Attorney Dod here or call (619) 814-5110.