If you have been charged with assault, call Cory Wilson today for a free, no obligation consultation.
We have been instructed by health officials and politicians that home is the safest place to be while the COVID-19 pandemic rages across the world. But for many, home is a place of violence and fear.
Self-isolation forces victims of domestic violence and their children into a much more dangerous environment – being locked in a house with their abuser.
For many victims of domestic violence, the COVID-19 pandemic has shattered exit plans that they have spent weeks or months implementing.
Adding to the stress and fear resulting from the pandemic – unemployment, sickness and death -is only intensifying the abuse they face at home.
Domestic violence will no doubt increase during social isolation
It is anticipated that the frequency and severity of domestic assault will significantly increase while Canadians stay home for months during the pandemic.
Both Canadian and American domestic violence hotlines saw significant call increases during the 2008 recessions as unemployment surged and more families were at home together.
Calls to domestic violence hotlines are startling. Once caller indicated that when she attempted to go to her work, deemed essential by the government, her abusive partner began to load his firearm to scare her into staying home.
Another caller said that her partner threatened to expose her to the coronavirus on purpose and then wouldn’t take her for treatment if she fell ill.
Already, only weeks in, emergency call centres are reporting higher call volumes for domestic violence.
Stress increases the likelihood for domestic assault
It is a well-known fact that domestic violence cases dramatically spike during times of prolonged stress.
Albertans have gone through rough patches, whether it be a financial crisis or mass flooding, but we have never experienced anything like this pandemic. The loss of income and uncertainty about the future causes incredible stress in the house. Add that stress to families being confined to relatively small spaces is a recipe for disaster.
Unemployment in Alberta is already skyrocketing with only more layoffs to come. With unemployment comes increased alcohol and drug use. The World Health Organization’s evidence suggests that excessive alcohol consumption increases the frequency and severity of domestic violence.
No shelters or counsellors available
During pre-pandemic times, victims of domestic violence had resources to turn to including counsellors and emergency shelters. With stay at home orders and fears of the virus spreading, these resources are becoming few and far between.
Those who have suffered sexual assault at the hands of a domestic partner may be hesitant to attend a hospital that is already operating at full capacity and will increase the chance of contracting the virus.
Even escaping to a friend or families house may no longer be a viable option for fears of spreading the virus.
Maggie MacKillop, the executive director of Homefront Calgary (victim services) said the COVID-19 crisis coupled with a crashing stock market and looming global recession creates significant risks for domestic violence:
When you have families, even just in general, in close quarters and they are unable to leave for long periods of time, sometimes that can cause increased tension in the best of families. But when you already have a family that is susceptible to violence or if there are poor coping mechanisms, you’re likely to see increased violence in the home.
The COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented and will undoubtedly result in increased domestic violence. If you are in need of help the Family Violence Information Line is available 24/7 at 403-234-7233. If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
Cory Wilson is a criminal defence lawyer based in Calgary. If you have been charged with a criminal offence or are a suspect in a criminal investigation, call today for a free, no obligation consultation.
