The Holiday Season & COVID-19: A High-Risk Combination
Louisiana ranks #5 in the US for female homicides according to a 2020 report by the Violence Policy Center and 92% of all female victims in the US were murdered by a man they know in 2018. The numbers show that domestic violence incidents can easily turn into a domestic homicide if a firearm is present, increasing the risk of homicide by 500%. However, most domestic violence cases involve physical violence by one intimate partner; 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in the US.
These staggering statistics exemplify the prevalence of domestic violence in America, especially in Louisiana. Considering that Louisiana has led the nation in female homicides for many years, it comes as no surprise that law enforcement agencies are taking a strong stance against such crime, especially during the holidays as COVID-19 continues to force people to stay at home and are isolated from others.
While safety measures are intended to help prevent the spread of the virus, they are also creating more opportunities for aggressors to commit domestic violence against their family and household members. In addition, the holiday season can be chaotic and stressful for many families who are struggling to make ends meet during the pandemic. Thus, the combination of the holidays and COVID-19 can create a recipe for disaster, and our attorneys are here to assist with information and representation.
Common factors leading to domestic violence during the holidays and COVID-19 pandemic include:
- Financial issues stemming from unemployment or economic instability;
- Being under the same roof with the same people more often;
- Adjusting to online learning and affiliated technologies;
- Working from home, especially with children present;
- Stress;
- Losing friends and loved ones to COVID-19;
- Inability to report domestic violence safely during quarantine;
- Exacerbation of preexisting psychological disorders of violent partners;
- Increased substance abuse and alcohol abuse.
Isolation is one of the core factors and “red flags” of domestic violence. Therefore COVID-19 lockdowns are only making it easier for abusive partners to commit this crime. However, our Baton Rouge domestic violence lawyer is fully aware that COVID-19 has brought out the worst in people. The stress, anxiety, devastation, and loneliness that countless Americans feel during the pandemic can lead them to make bad decisions in the heat of the moment.
No one is perfect, especially after experiencing nearly 9 months in a raging pandemic. Reported victims may have made false accusations against you or exaggerated the allegations. We understand this can happen and are compassionate to your circumstances. You can count on our defense team at Dewey & Braud Law, LLC to go the distance to defend your domestic violence charges. We strive to minimize the impacts of our clients’ charges by negotiating with the prosecutor, discussing reduced charges or minimal punishments. There are also alternatives to convictions and incarceration like rehabilitative programs, counseling, and more. You can count on us to help you navigate this challenging time.
Call us at (225) 953-8330 to contact us online to get started. We are in this together.
