Domestic and family violence services across the country are bracing themselves for a spike in incidents as the COVID-19 pandemic impacts woman forced to isolate with their abusers.
The expectation that cases of domestic and family violence will increase follows reports that violence tripled during periods of isolation in China. So, what can victims, survivors and the community do to help keep those affected by domestic and family violence safe during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Ross Tyler, Act for Kids Specialist Domestic and Family Violence Practitioner, said we know from the evidence that during times of pandemics, natural disasters and social hardships, the rates of domestic violence increase substantially.
“It is more than likely that some families will be significantly impacted by violence – even if a pattern of violence and control was absent before the COVID-19 crisis.
“People are losing jobs, unable to access supports, and children are likely to be home due to school closures.
“We will see housing issues, child safety concerns, increases in substance use and mental health concerns due to the multiple stressors and anxieties created by COVID-19.”
And while the COVID-19 pandemic will not cause a parent to become controlling and abusive, it can make the abuse and control worse, explains Mr Tyler.
“People who engage in a pattern of violence – who isolate their family, make parenting choices designed to hurt, punish and frighten their partner and children, are likely to capitalise on an opportunity to further isolate and control.
“Right now, when violence occurs in a home, if neighbours are close, they may hear or see violence and feel it’s none of their business.
“They may believe the family is just under a lot of stress, that the children are tough to manage and are at home all day.
“Violence thrives in silence and secrecy, and abusers are often expert at managing their public appearance.”
As such, it is more important than ever that we shine a light on abuse, violence and controlling behaviours – not to normalise it and put it down to stress related to the current crisis, says Mr Tyler.
COVID-19 will likely culminate in some abusers behaving in unanticipated ways.
“This is due to COVID-19 creating new opportunities, and-or fewer opportunities to coerce and control.
“Dealing with violence in the context of COVID-19 will be varied and contextualised for most parents.”
Advice for Those Affected by DFV During COVID-19
- Develop a safety plan. A safety plan is vital when coercive control is occurring – it is even more critical now. If possible, it may be helpful to engage with your local or regional domestic violence service to discuss safety and formulate a plan. This plan is likely to need regular reviews and variations due to abusers often using a range of different tactics to coerce and control.
- If you are concerned about parenting orders and contact during this time – seek legal advice and/or contact the Federal District Court to make enquiries.
- Explore options around safety for yourself and your children – what options are no longer available, and what new ones have presented themselves? For example, a neighbour who is now working from home.
- Go with your gut! What is most important is for non-offending parents to ‘go with their gut’. They have often been making excellent decisions around managing the safety and wellbeing of their children. As adults, they are often best placed to assess risk and threats. If a parent is frightened or anxious – enact the safety plan. If it involves calling Police, do so immediately.
AASW National President Christine Craik said victims and survivors of domestic and family violence would be hyper-vigilant during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The ways in which they protect themselves and their children from the consequences of the perpetrator’s abuse will constantly be on their mind.
“As social workers, we would talk to all those in this situation to have a think about their safety planning and maybe make some decisions around this while they are all locked down together.”
- Know who it is safe to talk to (or go to) if they must get out?
- Have a place in mind that they can go, and how they will get there?
- Know the phone numbers to call to talk to a family violence service if it is safe to do so?
- Understand how to make their IT safe and private, or does the perpetrator have access to their IT or know their passwords?
- Have children who know what to do, who to call, who to run to if the perpetrator makes the behavioural choice to ramp up the control or to abuse members of the family?