Nearly a year after society entered lockdown as a result of the coronavirus, studies are showing that the number of domestic violence incidents may be dramatically increasing. As people all over the country are laid off, placed on furlough, or asked to work from home and restrict their outings, domestic violence victims are spending more time in the homes they share with abusive partners. This new normal brings the office and classroom education to the home, which presents an altered reality. Unfortunately, for survivors of domestic abuse, more time trapped at home results in more suffering.
If you’ve been accused of domestic abuse during this difficult time, you need an attorney who can help you understand and protect your rights. Everyone has the right to a fair trial and a robust defense. After all, it’s not uncommon for feelings of frustration, anger, and embarrassment to be taken out of context and interpreted as domestic violence. In these situations, the help of an attorney may be valuable.
Why Are COVID-19 Restrictions Leading to a Spike in Domestic Violence Cases?
Domestic violence is a widespread problem even under normal circumstances, with the Centers for Disease Control reporting that one in four women, one in 10 men, and one in seven children have been victims at some point in their lives. Moreover, more than 43 million women and 38 million men have experienced psychological aggression by an intimate partner in their lifetime. As the COVID-19 pandemic has limited personal movement and confined families to their homes, the number of domestic violence cases across the United States have only risen, with many more cases likely still going unreported.
The correlation is simple: stay-at-home orders, which are intended to protect the public and prevent widespread infection, leaves many victims confined with their abusers. Other factors that are perhaps contributing to the upsurge in domestic violence cases since the pandemic intensified in early 2020 include increased levels of isolation, stress, economic anxiety, and alcohol usage.
Are the Number of Domestic Violence Reports Rising in Florida?
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, trends regarding domestic violence are already starting to emerge on a global scale. Reports from local police near the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak in China’s Hubei province indicate that domestic violence tripled during February 2020 compared to February 2019. In the United States, similar numbers are surfacing as data from police departments provides some early insight into the effect COVID-19 has had on domestic violence in some regions. For instance, after Oregon stay-at-home orders were imposed on March 23, the Portland Police Bureau recorded a 22 percent increase in arrests related to domestic violence compared to prior weeks.
In Florida, the number of cases in certain counties are increasing at an alarming rate. For instance, West Palm Beach News reported a 79 percent increase in cases since March in several Treasure Coast counties. In Cape Coral, Fox4 News reported that the number of domestic violence calls between March 8 and April 20 increased by 34 percentcompared to that same time span last year. The Florida Times Union reported that in Jacksonville, there’s been a 5.3 percent increase in intimate partner violence from January through September 15, 2020 compared to the same period last year.
What to Do If You’re Accused of Domestic Violence in West Palm Beach
Domestic violence is certainly a rising problem, especially during the pandemic, but even as reports increase, it’s important to note that not all alleged abusers are guilty of the accusations they face. If you’ve been charged with harassment, assault, or other crimes related to domestic violence, an experienced criminal defense attorney can work to ensure that you receive fair treatment in court within the Florida criminal justice system.
Contact an Experienced West Palm Beach Domestic Violence Defense Attorney
If you or a loved one is facing a domestic violence charge, speak with an experienced domestic violence defense attorney. For legal assistance, look no further than The Law Office of Gabriel & Gabriel. Mr. Gabriel takes a client-centered approach that will help make the legal process as painless as possible. Attorney Brian Gabriel is dedicated to protecting you against your accuser by investigating your case in detail and building a robust defense. He’s well-versed in domestic violence defense law and may help you avoid the consequences that stem from this offense.
Attorney Brian Gabriel has served the community of West Palm Beach for more than 30 years as a criminal defense attorney. He understands the complexities that are often involved in domestic violence cases and can help protect your reputation and future. After a domestic violence arrest, you can be assured that you’re in good hands and that attorney Brian Gabriel will fight for your rights. Call (561) 622-5575 or complete a contact form for a free consultation.