Domestic Violence Spikes during Pandemic

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By July Torres

“No victims should be trapped with their abusers. It’s inhumane,” said Danielle Sosa, a Lehman junior majoring in social work.

But as coronavirus policies force people to stay home, that is exactly what is happening. Domestic violence calls in New York rose 15 percent in March, and 30 percent in April, according to New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo at his May 1 press conference. 2,019 felony assault complaints were made in the first quarter of 2020, compared to 1,894 in the first quarter of 2019. While the quarantine serves as a way to save lives from the deadly virus, for many, this means staying in an unsafe environment.

Lehman students stand in solidarity with survivors of domestic violence.

“I used to be in an abusive relationship, and it was difficult enough,” Sosa said. “I can only imagine what victims are going through [now] being stuck at home. They should definitely call for help or go to a safe website because whether they stay inside or go outside, they’re risking their lives.”

Kira Gill, a senior majoring in English, is currently worried about a cousin “whose relationship with her boyfriend is a bit toxic.”

The tension caused by the pandemic can generate volatile conditions. According to CNN, an abusive environment can develop as a result of stress caused by lockdown orders, among other factors.

For domestic violence victims, work or school served as a safe haven, but they’re now restricted to their homes without protection. NBC reported that experts feared domestic abuse cases would increase as residents of cities and states are ordered to stay home due to COVID-19.

“It is difficult being cooped up with an abuser,” said Shoshana Kaish, a counselor at Lehman’s Counseling Center. “Students used to go to campus just to get away and no one would question them because they’re in school, and now they can’t do that.” Kaish told the Meridian she has not noticed a clear increase in calls from Lehmanites, but acknowledged that stress during a pandemic can result in more domestic violence incidents.

“We can’t force people to leave, but we try to build their confidence and self-esteem. Lehman students should visit Safe Horizon,” said Kaish.

When asked how safe it would be to visit a website that may be tracked by an abuser, Kaish assured that “Safe Horizon has an escape button which will take you straight to Google.”

Governor Cuomo has also encouraged victims to reach out to the state’s domestic violence hotline online or by text. On May 7, CBS reported that New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio announced a task force to take on domestic and gender-based violence during the pandemic, and urged those in need of a safe place to stay to call the city’s free hotline.