Stay-at-home orders can be dangerous for people experiencing domestic violence, and local advocates say abuse will become more of a problem during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.
The impact has yet to be felt at the Family Crisis Shelter, where emergency shelter and other services are provided to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, said executive director Anita Byers.
“I do expect it to occur as you keep people confined already in an unhealthy relationship with all the stressors added to it,” Byers said.
Already, police have seen a rise in domestic disturbances as people limit their travel. Officers took 66 such calls last month, up from 36 in February, according to an analysis of daily incident logs.
Over the first five days of April, authorities have taken 10 reports of domestic disturbances.
None of the incidents handled by sheriff’s deputies have resulted in serious injuries, Montgomery County Sheriff Ryan Needham said.
The virus has been used as a scare tactic to keep survivors away from their families, according to advocates who answer domestic violence calls. While shelters remain open, there may be less room to house people escaping abusive situations to maximize social distancing.
“Even if you are showing symptoms [of COVID-19], there are still services available for you and we can get you the help that you need,” said Melissa Iannuzzi, communication and special events coordinator for the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, an advocacy group that supports domestic violence programs across the state.
The Family Crisis Shelter has limited clients to the agency’s service area in Montgomery, Fountain, Putnam and Boone counties. Only one person or family unit will be housed per bedroom, reducing the normal capacity of 28 to seven. New residents have their temperature checked.
While no new residents from the four area counties have been turned away, the agency was recently unable to accept clients from other states.
“The needs of the many have to outweigh the needs of the one,” Byers said, “and it’s a little scary and a little heartbreaking.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the Family Crisis Shelter hotline at 1-800-370-4103 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
