Intimate Partner Violence rates are rising, and they are rising fast. As the Coronavirus continues to spread across the world, it brings multiple stresses, including physical and psychological health risks, isolation, and loneliness, with the closure of many schools, businesses, economic vulnerability, and job losses. Some of the public health actions to reduce the spread of COVID-19 include avoiding large and small gatherings in private places and public spaces, working remotely, and closing schools. While these measures are critical for slowing the spread of COVID-19, they may contribute to an increase in violence due to:
• Social isolation or lack of social support
• Financial, emotional, or physical stress
• Lack of time alone or lack of physical and mental space
• Loss of job or income
• Lack of affordable housing
• Depression or anxiety
• Substance misuse
• Reduced access to mental health or substance use services and supports
Being in a relationship is supposed to be safe and welcoming. It should be with someone that you care for and trust. Forms of abuse may include physical, emotional/psychological, sexual, and financial control and can happen to anyone. Abusers often have the ability to manipulate or isolate the person they are mistreating while survivors of abuse may not be believed by those they reach out to. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2020), social distancing measures can lead to more time in the home or in the same space as an abuser, increasing the risk for abuse. This can include child abuse and neglect, intimate partner violence, and elder abuse. Victims of violence may be unable to access help due to limited outside social contact, or they may not be able to seek victim services or shelter. The COVID-19 pandemic may also impact those experiencing violence in the following ways:
• Abusers may further isolate and control victims of violence.
• Abusers may share misinformation about the pandemic to control or frighten victims or prevent them from seeking medical treatment if they need it.
• Programs that serve victims, such as shelters and counseling centers, may be full or unable to assist them. Victims may fear entering shelters for fear of being exposed to COVID-19.
• Travel restrictions may impact a victim’s escape or safety plan.
It’s important to recognize that abuse of another is, among many things, foremost about power and control. Taking steps to prepare for the possibility of a crisis can help you act quickly, ease your mind and lessen the impact if a crisis situation occurs. NAMI: National Alliance for the Mentally Ill is a great guide that provides important, potentially life-saving information for people experiencing a mental health crisis and their loved ones. Below are some great resources for finding help during a crisis.
The NAMI HelpLine is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals, and support to people living with mental health conditions, their family members and caregivers, mental health providers, and the public. HelpLine staff and volunteers are experienced, well-trained, and able to provide guidance (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill [NAMI], 2020).
To contact the NAMI HelpLine, please call 800-950-NAMI (6264), Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., ET, or send an email to info@nami.org.
The NAMI HelpLine is not a hotline, crisis line, or suicide prevention line. If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, please see the resources below.
Written by Nicole Roxanne Benquechea
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