Domestic Violence Increases as Millions Ordered to Stay-At-Home

Florida is just the latest state to declare a stay-at-home order. As millions go into lock down, there is a serious rise in domestic violence. Increased stress, fear, and unemployment has escalated abuse. Social distancing orders have further isolated victims from their friends and families. Without access to safe places such as hospitals, shelters, and even courts restricted, they have nowhere to go and no one to turn to. For many victims who have been working towards exit strategies for months, their plans have been disrupted. Now gun sales are soaring nationwide. An abuser in possession of a firearm is five times more likely to kill their victim. Many in crisis have turned to hot lines and support websites but these options aren’t possible for victims who can’t get away from their abusers for long enough. As case workers prepare for a surge in domestic violence reports once lock down is over, for the mean time they are asking friends, families and even neighbors to speak up on victim’s behalves.