Is COVID 19 Causing an Increase in Domestic Violence? [VIDEO]
Monica Taylor, a Special Projects Representative from the Louisiana Department of Justice, talks with 101.7 / 710 KEEL's Robert J Wright and Erin McCarty about the rise in domestic violence cases during the Coronavirus quarantine and what is being done to help the victims.
Taylor, whose background with the state DOJ includes work with the Louisiana Sexual Assault Oversight Commission and special training workshops in sexual trafficking for state law enforcement, tells KEEL listeners that there is an increase in domestic violence cases during the Coronavirus quarantine. "In some places we are seeing an uptick." But despite higher numbers, she applauds more citizens willing to get involved, "We're seeing more neighbors and bystanders calling."
But Taylor expresses concern that the evidence from sources like domestic violence hotlines shows that the degree of violence is greater. "We are seeing (more extreme) cases," she says, "And part of the reason for that is that so many more people are under stress at home, working from home, so there is more pressure on the perpetrator in that they are lacking the usual relief outlets"
Taylor also talks about the opportunities for assistance currently available - even during the quarantine - to assist domestic violence victims, including an expansion of teleconferencing, so that victims don't have to be in the same room with their abuser.
Finally, Taylor addresses the possibility of a influx of domestic violence victims seeking shelter post-lockdown. "We are all really gearing up in case that happens. I've spoken to several law enforcement agencies...who do think that's going to happen. Obviously, we don't know for sure because this is so unprecedented, but we think there's a good chance that is going to happen."
KEEP READING: See how sports around the world have been impacted by the coronavirus
More From News Talk 96.5 KPEL
![7 Ways to Reduce Anxiety and Release Stress During the Holiday Season](http://townsquare.media/site/182/files/2020/08/RS41295_GettyImages-1150384564.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Baton Rouge Elementary School Shuts Down Due to ‘Several COVID-19 Cases’](http://townsquare.media/site/33/files/2022/08/attachment-Google-Maps.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Looking to Save Money? How Long Does Produce Last?](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2021/12/attachment-Fresh-Produce-Photo-courtesy-of-engin-akyurt-Y5n8mCpvlZU-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Louisiana Governor Makes Announcement Regarding Statewide Mask Mandate](http://townsquare.media/site/33/files/2020/06/Governor-John-Bel-Edwards.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Carencro Catholic Forced to Delay Return to School After 60% of Campus Tests Positive for COVID](http://townsquare.media/site/34/files/2022/01/attachment-marco-fileccia-HE7_hMkqn9A-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![The Internet Responds to Latest CDC Recommendations with Hilarious ‘Bad Advice’ Memes](http://townsquare.media/site/34/files/2022/01/attachment-national-cancer-institute-L8tWZT4CcVQ-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![LPSS Update on Possible Staffing Challenges and Quarantine Guidance for Students](http://townsquare.media/site/29/files/2018/02/LPSS-SIgn-KPEL-Photo-e1456810780891.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Santa Offers Kids $100 to Get COVID Vax at Shreveport Mall](http://townsquare.media/site/181/files/2016/12/158313365.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![“mRNA Vaccine Trailblazer” Explains His Opposition to COVID Vaccine Mandate for Kids](http://townsquare.media/site/182/files/2021/04/GettyImages-1232146964.jpg?w=980&q=75)