Lincoln – Avoiding public spaces and working remotely can help to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but for those experiencing domestic violence, staying home may be a dangerous prospect, especially as job losses and financial strain continue to escalate.

“Domestic violence is rooted in power and control,” said Sheri Dawson, director of the Division of Behavioral Health at the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. “We are all feeling a lack of control in our day-to-day lives right now. An individual who cannot manage, will take it out on their victim. Survivors already in an abusive situation will likely face more extreme violence when they can no longer leave by going to work, visiting with family and friends. Social connectedness and safety planning with friends and family has never been more important.” 

The National Domestic Violence Hotline outlines how COVID-19 could impact intimate partner violence survivors:

• Abusive partners may withhold necessary items, such as hand sanitizer or disinfectants.

• Abusive partners may share misinformation about the pandemic to control or frighten survivors, or to prevent them from seeking appropriate medical attention if they have symptoms.

• Abusive partners may withhold insurance cards, threaten to cancel insurance, or prevent survivors from seeking medical attention if they need it.

• Programs that serve survivors may be significantly impacted – shelters may be full or may even stop intakes altogether. Survivors may also fear entering shelter because of being in close quarters with groups of people.

• Survivors who are older or have chronic heart or lung conditions may be at increased risk in public places where they would typically get support, like shelters, counseling centers, or courthouses.

• Travel restrictions may impact a survivor’s escape or safety plan – it may not be safe for them to use public transportation or to fly.

• An abusive partner may feel more justified and escalate their isolation tactics.

Every situation of violence is different and needs different responses. For help, the Nebraska Family Helpline can be reached at 888-866-8660; the Nebraska Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence, 402-476-6256; the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800-799-7233; Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, 1-800-656-4673; and the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline, 1-866-331-9474.

– Nebraska DHHS