Domestic violence is referred to as the most universal yet under reported violation of basic human rights.
Every minute, 24 people in America “are victims of rape, physical violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner,” according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
Domestic violence can occur for many reasons in an intimate relationship, including ones that are influenced and fueled by outside factors. For example, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic allows perpetrators to capitalize on quarantine and manipulate the situation to be an excuse for heavier control applied on their partners.
“Some [other] contributing factors include growing up in a household where familial violence is typical/common. So having that as your model, substance abuse and dependence (and related impulsivity), misguided and antiquated extreme traditional gender roles and ideations (aka toxic masculinity)…,perceptions of physical force as a viable means to solve problems and of course personal insecurity [are contributing factors],” said Matt Gray, psychology professor at the University of Wyoming, former member of the board of directors for the Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault and SAFE Project board of directors.
Quarantine is a necessary evil that has to be followed through in order to prevent the viral infection from spreading and worsening the pandemic. However, the process of quarantine is accompanied with social distancing and isolation, which can take a toll on the mental health of the American people.
A global pandemic alongside not being able to be around friends and family or go to communal functions would understandably affect the mentality of the general public, possibly giving them symptoms of depression and anxiety.
These increased feelings related to depression and anxiety can make the risk of domestic violence higher. In addition to an increase in stress levels, because of this necessary quarantine and the novel coronavirus, people suffering from domestic violence have been put in an even more difficult and terrifying situation.
“Many victims typically have an intermittent reprieve from their abusers as a function of work and daily activities. Needless to say if perpetrators and victims are together in a confined space 24/7 – there are more opportunities for the perpetuation and violence. Add to that, increases in anxiety and stress – as well as maladaptive coping strategies to deal with anxiety and stress (eg., substance abuse) – and it’s a tragic recipe for increased abuse and violence,” said Gray.
Victims of domestic violence are not specific to those involved in an intimate partner relationship. In roughly 1 out of 4 (22%) domestic violence cases reported in the United States, a child was a witness, according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
“Kids witness more than we perceive – not only does it result in considerable fear and anxiety in children (chronic and ongoing) but… it models aggression and familial violence which can increase risk of intergenerational abuse and family violence,” Gray said.
The general population is dealing with quarantine in their own individual ways. These times can be hard for everyone, and can often make difficult situations even harder than they would be before this pandemic arose.
“If possible, given proximity of abuser during quarantine, [victims should contact] local domestic violence crisis support agencies (e.g. SAFE project) and there are great domestic violence resources and supports specifically related to COVID-19 on the No More Facebook page and the [National Network to End Domestic Violence] website,” said Gray.
