Domestic violence covers a wide swath of charges, including simple assault, aggravated assault, strangulation, and even Protection from Abuse Orders. In most cases, domestic violence stems from drinking/drugs and/or arguments over finances and/or cheating. With the stay-at-home order issued by Governor Ivey to curve/prevent the spread of COVID-19, domestic violence has risen in our state and  nationally; it is not limited to only Alabama. So, why is domestic violence on the rise and is there anything that can be done to prevent it?

 

Tensions Rise After Stay-At-Home Orders

While most crime rates have gone down, one that has not is domestic violence. With Governor Ivey issuing a stay-at-home order, the likelihood that domestic disputes will increase is almost guaranteed.

But why would domestic violence rise during a stay-at-home order?

  • Restricts a person’s ability to leave their abuser.
  • Abusers will take advantage of the slower/non-existent response time of law enforcement officials.
  • Small homes don’t give each partner enough space.
  • Increased tensions from financial disruption and/or fallout from lost jobs.
  • More time around each other can cause additional arguments that otherwise would not occur.
  • Drinking and drug use at home increases as individuals cannot go to the bars/friend’s homes.

 

Reducing Domestic Violence During The COVID-19 Pandemic

Knowing that domestic violence is on the rise, what can we/you do to reduce the likelihood of an assault?

  • Avoid confrontations; be willing to walk away from an argument.
  • If a situation is escalating, leave the house and walk around the yard or the block.
  • Try to listen to the other party involved; many times, we are already preparing our next zinger (don’t do that).
  • Vent your frustrations with someone you can trust (friends, family), not your partner/spouse.
  • Think about the consequences that come from an arrest over a domestic violence dispute (prison time, financial loss, infection from COVID-19).
  • Avoid using drugs or drinking during this time.
  • Try to find a way to relax or unwind.

 

Schedule a Confidential Consultation with Alabama Domestic Violence Lawyer Tim Fleming

If you have been a victim of domestic violence, do not wait until it is too late. Contact the police and/or go to the courthouse to file for a Protection from Abuse (PFA) Order.

If you have been charged with domestic violence of any kind, contact us for a confidential consultation. We can help you navigate your legal options whether you have been accused and/or charged for domestic violence. In most cases, there is enough evidence against both parties to get leniency and possibly have the charges dropped altogether.

To speak with us confidentially, call us at (251) 304-0888 or use our online contact form.