When stay-at-home orders went into place following the initial surge in COVID-19 cases in March, domestic-violence hotlines prepared for a sharp increase in calls as people lost their jobs, worked from home or needed to care for their children after schools closed.
However, a recent article published in the New England Journal of Medicine found, in some areas, that hotline calls dropped by more than half. Experts say that’s not because conflicts decreased, but rather accusers could not safely connect with domestic violence services or police. The Premier Domestic Violence Law Group is an experienced law firm in exactly these kind of cases. We know the courts, the court system, and the prosecutors. Contact the Premier Domestic Violence Law Group at (619) 736-3375
The pandemic has complicated relationships
Domestic violence claims take various forms, including physical, sexual, psychological, financial or emotional, and people of all backgrounds, races, religions and socioeconomic classes are affected. However, during the pandemic, communities of color and other marginalized groups have been disproportionately affected due to:
- Unsafe housing
- Unemployment and economic instability
- Community unrest and violence
- Lack of stable and safe child care
- Cutbacks in social programs
Stressors often leads to domestic violence claims
Couples with already-strained relationships before the pandemic hit have been placed in an even more precarious and potentially volatile atmosphere. Despite the economic hardships many have had to endure, school and child care center closures only add to the stress. Even virtual learning for kids can cause anxiety for parents in households without a reliable internet connection. The biggest stress is money. Even in good times, money is an issue in disputes. The pandemic has created unprecedented circumstances. As we head into 2021, the aftermath of the pandemic will be lingering.
All of these factors contribute to an environment for heated arguments and continuing disagreements to boil over. While domestic complaints may have dropped nationwide, these simmering fights can lead partners to call the police while tempers are still raw. Even if the accuser later changes their mind, it becomes the prosecutor’s decision to file charges once the police are involved.
Contact a former prosecutor to protect your interests
While some people are appropriately charged with abusing a partner or spouse, many good people find themselves wrongly accused when a tense situation spirals out of control. Even something like a light tap on the shoulder during an argument can result in misdemeanor criminal charges. If you were arrested for a Domestic Violence case, a working goal is to have the case dismissed before heading into court.
Contacting an experienced defense lawyer, who is also a former prosecutor, can help you protect your interests and provide a strong defense. Your lawyer will take proactive measures to prevent or dismiss charges or help you take other steps to reduce penalties, such as classes or programs, to show you are ready to make things right. The Premier Domestic Violence Law Group is an experienced law firm in exactly these kind of cases. We know the courts, the court system, and the prosecutors. Contact the Premier Domestic Violence Law Group at (619) 736-3375.
