COVID-19 crisis leading to increased reports of Domestic Violence

There’s something about being confined in a close space with increased levels of stress that brings out the worst at times. SafeNest, the Las Vegas non-profit organization that provides counseling and shelter to victims of domestic violence are reporting a notable increase in reports of domestic violence to their hotline.

SafeNest notes increase in calls to hotline

Liz Ortenburger, CEO of SafeNest, states: “We are already seeing the increase in domestic violence phone calls. We’ve had a ten percent increase just in the last couple days. When we have these large negative events, they’re – that’s a triggering effect. We have families that are all together inside apartments and homes. We have financial stress related to layoffs.”

With the emergency orders issued by the state of Nevada, and Governor Sisolak’s “Stay at Home for Nevada” plan, businesses deemed non-essential are closed for 30 days. Schools have been closed and the students are home. Essential businesses may still be open, but many of those employees are working remotely from home. Businesses deemed non-essential have furloughed many more and these employees have no current income but are living off of savings which may have already been depleted. The stress levels are high with workers wondering when or if they will have a job after the COVID-19 crisis. The emergency order also imposes social distancing in which leads to being in close proximity to all family members.

Ms. Ortenburger recalls a similar increase in reports of domestic violence happened during the 2008 financial crisis. She says preventative measures are important during a time of stress. In fact, her organization is adding shelter capacity and encourages not just victims but those who feel they’re reaching a breaking point and may strike out at family member to check in to their hotline or to participate in the organization’s drop-in groups. SafeNest’s hotline number is 702-646-4981.

The Defenders provides criminal defense to those charged with Domestic Violence

Nevada has a high incidence of domestic violence crimes even without the additional stressors of the financial crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many who live in Las Vegas get reported for domestic violence crimes. While most domestic violence reports are due to real problems in the home, some are made for other reasons. Frequently reports of domestic violence are inaccurate and are sometimes made by a spouse or former partner in an attempt to “get even” due to a breakup or some other difficulty. Due to the harsh penalties connected to a conviction for domestic violence crimes, our lawyers will investigate to make sure the rights of the accused are protected. If you have been charged with Domestic Violence, call our office today to discuss your case at (702) 333-3333 or click the green button below.

Learn More:
https://news3lv.com/news/local/shelter-sees-increase-in-domestic-violence-calls-amid-coronavirus-outbreak
https://www.fox5vegas.com/news/safenest-sees-rise-in-dv-amid-pandemic/video_d1a5e4f9-07ec-5679-953e-0b326e4cb1c9.html
https://www.reviewjournal.com/crime/amid-social-distancing-what-if-home-isnt-a-safe-place-1985794/
https://assets.speakcdn.com/assets/2497/nevada_2019.pdf