Domestic Violence Has Increased in Los Angeles During Covid-19 Pandemic, Here's Why
Domestic violence has increased in Los Angeles and around the world during the Covid-19 crisis.
The thing is, Covid-19 does not cause abuse, it creates a “conducive context.” In other words, being trapped at home with an abuser creates a “perfect storm” of isolation and control.
Let’s look at some factors:
Isolation is a breeding ground for victim control and avoiding detection. Connections to family, friends, and colleagues are reduced or eliminated.
Abuse increases whenever families spend more time together, such as summer and Christmas breaks according to sociological research from Bristol University.
The privacy of home is where adults and children are most seriously abused. There are fewer onlookers.
A belief that law enforcement, medical, educational, and social services are being diverted elsewhere can render an abuser more confident, feeling like he or she can act with impunity.
People who already experience difficulty managing anger and are financially strapped or out of control may feel a stronger impulse towards abuse.
Perpetrators may feel that the victim cannot leave because it is a difficult time to look for alternative housing or move.
Victims may find it more difficult to find privacy to reach out for legal, law enforcement, or psychological support services.
How a domestic violence restraining order can help:
A Domestic Violence Restraining Order can order the restrained person:
Not contact you, directly or indirectly, nor go near you, your children, other relatives, or others who live with you;
Stay away from your home, vehicle, school, work, or your children’s schools;
Stay away from your pets;
Move out (even if you live together);
Not have a gun and turn any guns in to a law enforcement agency;
Follow child custody and visitation orders;
Pay child support;
Pay certain bills;
Not make changes to certain insurance policies;
Transfer the rights to a cell phone number and account to the protected person;
Release or return certain property;
Complete a 52-week batterer intervention program.
In addition to the above, if you're married, the court can order the restrained person:
Pay spousal support;
Not transfer, borrow against, sell, hide, or get rid of or destroy any property.
Keep in mind…
Domestic violence is not limited to physical abuse. Domestic violence can include emotional abuse, financial abuse, harassment, stalking, and more.
Domestic violence or abuse often starts with seemingly harmless actions which escalate to extreme power and control. Domestic abuse is about controlling someone's mind and emotions, so it's not always easy to recognize.
If you are considering seeking a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Los Angeles, consider consulting with a Los Angeles domestic violence attorney.
Los Angeles courts are open for essential services, which includes Domestic Violence Restraining Orders. Our office is open and here to help. We offer remote confidential consultations.
More Domestic Violence Resources
LA County Domestic Violence Hotline, (800) 978-3600
LA County Domestic Violence Resources En Español
Domestic Violence Shelter 24-hour Hotlines (PDF Download)
The City of Los Angeles has created a special resource website for people experiencing domestic violence during this time.
The Law Office of Emily E. Rubenstein is a full-service divorce and family law firm. We proudly serve Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, West Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Culver City, the South Bay, Glendale, Pasadena, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Encino and all of Los Angeles County.
On your side,
Emily Rubenstein, Esq.
Founding attorney
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