Domestic violence during COVID-19 stay-at-home orders

Families and couples are cooped up indoors due to stay-at-home orders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite a slowdown in court operations, resources are still available for reporting incidents, and law enforcement officials are still investigating and charging individuals accused of perpetrating abuse.

Pandemic stats

Police in New York City say that since March, reports of domestic violence have declined. That includes crimes like break-ins, beatings and killings among couples and families. The number of reports filed fell nearly 15 percent in April compared to March. Fewer alleged victims of domestic abuse have been calling law enforcement to report incidents.

At the same time, cops and social workers say that more calls are being placed to organizations that help and provide shelter for battered women and that the number of calls has increased sharply since the pandemic lockdowns began. Law enforcement considers this a sign of continuing violence behind closed doors.

In contrast to New York City, cases reported statewide have actually increased – State Police responded to more than 1,700 domestic violence calls in April, a 15 percent increase compared to March. Calls to the state help hotline also increased nearly 18 percent compared to February.

Domestic violence is still a criminal offense despite court slowdown

Despite the logistical issues presented during the pandemic, domestic violence is still very much a criminal offense and alleged perpetrators can and will face potential charges. The New York Times cites several cases where an alleged perpetrator was still charged with strangulation or other assault based charges, even as the court system has slowed down and moved mostly online for the time being.

Those charged in domestic violence cases should still seek legal help and obtain a defense attorney.

A dilemma for victims: stay-at-home orders

During the initial first wave of the pandemic in New York City, some domestic violence victims chose to follow government guidance and stay home to avoid getting sick, rather than moving into a shelter or in with family and friends.

Some experts say government mandated stay-at-home orders made things difficult when it came to orders of protection. Judges are likely to be more reluctant to issue these orders, as it could mean that some individuals are left without somewhere to stay.

However, filing a legal protection order is still considered an “essential service” and many courts are allowing domestic violence victims to file petitions of abuse or restraining orders over the phone or by email.

Governor Cuomo’s taskforce

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a domestic violence task force amid the pandemic to “find innovative solutions to address a spike” in cases. The statewide initiative implemented a new confidential text message line and chat program, and leaders in the task force meet routinely to discuss how to “reimagine” the current system and work toward “a willingness to move beyond the idea that shelter is the only option” for those seeking safety.