Domestic Violence Reports Are Spiking Around The World — So Lawmakers Are Stepping In To Help

France is officially stepping in to help the victims of domestic violence, several of whom face an increased risk of danger throughout the era of social distancing.


The nation first went on strict lockdown on March 17, Time notes, and stipulated that people were not allowed to leave their homes unless they were shopping for groceries, picking up medication or going to the doctor, exercising, or walking a pet. Such strict isolation can make already weak people even more at-risk for abuse — especially given that several abusers often restrict their targets' connection to the world.


Since these lockdown rules were put in place, announced instances of domestic violence have spiked by at least 36 percent in Paris and 32 percent elsewhere in the nation, and two females have been killed by their partners. (The nation has previously acknowledged the scope of its domestic violence problem, particularly as it pertains to women, and has promised to work to eradicate it.)


As a result, Gender Equality Minister Marlène Schiappa reported on Monday (March 30) that the nation could be providing hotel rooms for domestic violence victims looking to escape dangerous living situations. The government will also set up a couple of help points around the nation to connect with victims and help them decide what resources @they could need. Given people can only run key errands, those help points will be located in grocery stores and pharmacies, so victims can seek help discreetly.


"My biggest concern is to multiply the points of contact with females Schiappa said, per Reuters. "As it’s difficult for girls to get out, we hope to prepare ensure that support systems can go to women." Time also notes that the French government plans to allocate 1 million euros ($1.1 million) to groups that offer support to victims of domestic violence.


Other countries are noticing similar spikes in announced instances of domestic violence, according to The Guardian. In Spain, people can use the phrase "mask 19" in pharmacies to let someone know they require help if they don't feel safe calling or texting a helpline; India and Greece have also launched campaigns to remind victims and survivors they are not alone, though they might be physically distanced from other people right now.


On March 24, a coalition of senators including Kamala Harris (D-CA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Bernie Sanders (D-VT), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) urged the Department of Health and Human Services to supporter for at-risk people while in the coronavirus pandemic. The letter cited concerns for "the wellbeing of families who face an increased risk of domestic violence throughout the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). We also ask that the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and the Office on Violence Against Females (OVW) make sure that the agencies that help victims and survivors of domestic violence have the flexibility, resources, and intelligence needed to continue to issue these important services throughout the pandemic."


According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, intimate partner violence affects 12 million people In America a year. One in 3 girls and 1 in 4 boys have been targeted by a partner in some way. Females aged 18-34 are at particular risk for intimate partner violence, although they're far from alone; in one survey, 80 percent of teenage respondents aged 13-18 mentioned they knew someone in a controlling relationship of some kind.


"While everyone’s attention is on the epidemic, victims of domestic violence are very much being neglected,” anti-domestic violence activist Wan Fei said of the domestic violence spike in China. “They deserve more attention and help.”


If you or someone you know has been a victim of domestic violence, help is accessible. You could call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or visit thehotline.Org.


You will assist prevent the spread of COVID-19. Social distancing is the new common, and we’re here to help.