Protection For Domestic Violence Victims During COVID-19 Pandemic
A “stay home, stay safe” mandate to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is unfortunately not very safe for many domestic violence victims. Domestic violence in Washington State is legally defined as physical harm, bodily injury, assault, including sexual assault, stalking, or inflicting fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury, or assault between family or household members.
Abusers can take advantage of social distancing, isolation, and increased time at home during a quarantine to further control and abuse victims, including children. Increased stress on families during a pandemic can also exacerbate domestic violence situations. Abusers can also take advantage of the pandemic to exploit fears of victims to exert control, by lying about the extent of the quarantine or preventing victims from leaving to seek medical attention. With a stay-at-home order in place, usual safe havens, such as work or school, are no longer available.
Some local law enforcement in Washington State are seeing an increase in calls to report domestic violence. Seattle Police saw a 21% increase in domestic violence reports in March 2020. King County Superior Court has also reported a rise in the number of petitions for a domestic violence protection order filed. Conversely, local domestic violence hotlines and organizations have reported a decrease in the numbers of call they have received. This may be attributed to the inability to make private calls. Survivors are now forced to be constantly in the presence of their abusers, making it much harder for them to reach out for help.
Victims should know they can still seek protection during this time. Both King and Snohomish County Superior Courts continue to accept and hear petitions for domestic violence protection orders and will order an abuser vacate a shared home, if necessary, for the safety of victims. Calling 911 is always an option, particularly if there is imminent harm. Domestic violence hotlines, shelters, and organizations continue to operate and are able to assist.
Our Family Law Group is also available to represent domestic violence victims and assist in obtaining the protection they need. Please contact us to schedule a telephone or video conference, via email to JasmineB@beresfordlaw.com or call our office at (425) 776-4100. We continue to serve our community with full remote capabilities.