Kiddipedia

Kiddipedia

How likely that at this time of self quarantine due to the Coronavirus pandemic that there will be an increase in Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence has always been an issue in Australia and around the world, unfortunately the rate of cases has no sign of slowing down. While domestic violence usually continues due to women and families unable to leave the home and live somewhere safe, away from the perpetrator/s of the violence, the ongoing pandemic of Coronavirus (COVID-19) has made it that much more difficult, with a surge in cases being reported daily across Australia.

As lockdown restrictions, social distancing and self-isolating laws swept over the nation in March 2020, the advice from the Australian government was to stay home to help slow the spread of COVID-19. For many families and women experiencing domestic abuse, this is the worst possible news imaginable. As schools and workplaces have been closed over the course of a few weeks, this means that more people are working and schooling from home – for those who suffer family violence, being at home becomes a living nightmare with no end in sight.

Before COVID-19, victims of domestic violence were able to get away from the perpetrator even if it was just for the day with either school or work being much needed relief from the abuse at home. Now, there is no respite for the victims as they endure the stress, anxiety and harm from the perpetrator on an ongoing basis, unable to cope with verbal, mental and physical abuse.

Is there a surge in domestic violence cases?

Unfortunately while the number of cases increases, this also means a lot of cases are going unreported due to the lack of visibility of the victims at work or school. While family violence cases are mainly reported by teachers who must mandatorily notify authorities about children who are being abused in the home, this also means women aren’t being seen by other people besides their abusive partner/perpetrator. As women and children’s violence is being undetected due to lack of socialising and daily life tasks that involve others outside the home, most of the time their situations aren’t being reported to authorities.

While some domestic violence relationships aren’t bound by ongoing, daily abuse—many violent episodes are triggered by stressful events/holidays—this pandemic has caused a lot of stress on many levels. As people have lost their jobs, are working from home, experiencing financial burden and worrying about supplies, this pandemic is triggering abusive behaviours or behaviours that lead to domestic violence, such as substance abuse.

With little access to resources, restrictions for seeing healthcare professionals and lack of visibility in the community, COVID-19 has become a breeding ground for domestic and family violence. Along with the collateral damage of the pandemic, perpetrators are also using COVID-19 as a form of abuse, coercing their partners and families into thinking they have the virus and forcing them to stay home without visitors.

Those who are vulnerable have become more vulnerable than ever due to the pressure cooker that has become their own household, unable to feel safe in their own home and unable to protect themselves or their children from any form of abuse. As COVID-19 is a pandemic affecting many sectors in our community, the funding for services that help family violence cases will likely be left on the back burner.

Staying safe tips during COVID-19 family and domestic violence surge

 While our usual GP services and hospitals may be overwhelmed at the moment, it doesn’t mean that your circumstances have become irrelevant or a burden on the system. Your livelihood and safety is always a priority, take a look at some things you can do if you are experiencing domestic and family violence during this time:

Having a safety plan in place

You and your family’s safety is vital, especially now, and having a plan in place that works for you may be the difference between life and death. This plan should include ways to stay safe while in a relationship, if you are planning to leave or after you leave – there are many online and phone services that can help you create your plan safely. Consider alternative living places during this time as some shelters may be unavailable or over capacity – never feel ashamed to contact friends or family or alternatively stay in a motel or your vehicle if necessary.

Taking care of yourself

During this uncertain time, it can be easy to forget to look after yourself and your mental well being. While experiencing abuse is already overwhelming during normal life, you’re more vulnerable now as your social interactions and ability to break away from the abuse has become nonexistent. Do things that make you feel more like yourself, whether it’s taking a long walk, reading a book in the bath, talking to someone who listens, making your favourite meal or watching a movie, these things can help in many ways.

Staying connected

While these things can help you feel more like yourself, knowing you aren’t alone is one of the most important things to remember. Always feel assured that you can contact family or friends during this time, even if you are self-isolating you can still be connected to your loved ones and feel supported. Sharing your feelings and thoughts with another person can take a load off your chest; using services like 1800RESPECT, ReachOut and White Ribbon are built to help people in your situation through times like this.

 

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Trauma, connection and stress in the home

Family Violence and COVID-19: Hidden in Isolation