Increase in Domestic Violence Incidents Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

 Posted on August 27, 2020 in Family Law

Domestic violence is a serious offense, and Illinois law treats it accordingly. One of the worst elements of the COVID-19 pandemic is how stay-at-home restrictions have led to a rise in domestic violence cases. Many people who relied on the flow of everyday life before COVID-19 to help avoid abusers now find themselves in dangerous situations. However, not all domestic abuse claims are true, and you should be prepared to develop a strong defense if you are accused of domestic violence. Whether an accuser does not fully understand the scope of domestic violence law in Illinois or he or she is making false accusations, the outcomes can still be serious. A domestic violence attorney who is well-versed in all aspects of family law will increase your chances of winning your case, so begin working with one as soon as you can. 

Worldwide Domestic Violence Rates 

Domestic violence rates have risen not just in the United States, but across the globe. For example, at the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, domestic violence hotlines in Spain experienced an 18 percent increase in calls. French police reported a 30 percent increase in domestic violence rates in April. The term “Intimate Terrorism” was coined to reflect experts’ observations that during prolonged confinement, abusers are using nearly the same tactics people would use when holding others hostage. Even the divorce proceedings that many victims were relying on to get them out of these dangerous environments were delayed because of the pandemic. 

Illinois Domestic Violence Laws

Governmental treatment of domestic violence has intensified in recent years, but this will surely increase because of the drastic rise in domestic violence reports since March this year. Even if you are falsely accused, you should take any accusation very seriously. Illinois law states that “police officers must take steps to protect a victim of domestic abuse whenever a ‘family or household member’ has committed any act of abuse.” 

Although domestic abuse tends to mean violence in the home, there are other ways a court can charge someone with a domestic violence offense. Illinois domestic violence law covers the following:

• Physical abuse (hitting, pushing, forced sex, not allowing a victim to leave)

• Harassment (creating a disturbance at your workplace; repeatedly calling, following, or watching you; preventing you from seeing your child; threatening to hurt you)

• Making a child or another person watch abuse

• Forcing you to do something against your will

• Denying a disabled person access to necessary care

Regardless of who accused you of abuse or why you were accused, it is vital to understand what the law covers so that you know how to develop a plan with your attorney.

Contact an Arlington Heights, IL Domestic Abuse Lawyer

Even if you firmly believe in your innocence after being accused of domestic violence, you should not leave the outcome to chance. You will need a capable and uncompromising Arlington Heights, IL family law attorney to defend you in court. To schedule your first session with A. Traub & Associates, call our office today at 847-749-4182.

Sources:

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/06/world/coronavirus-domestic-violence.html

https://www.isp.state.il.us/crime/domesticviol.cfm