Is COVID 19 Causing an Increase in Domestic Violence?

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."