Drop in domestic violence, child abuse reports concerns Whatcom victim advocacy agencies
Whatcom County advocacy agencies for victims of domestic violence and child abuse say they’ve seen a decline in the number of abuse reports since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic roughly two months ago.
The agencies say this is a worrying sign, as it likely means victims are isolated with their abusers and are less likely to be able to access help.
Elizabeth Hart, a program manager with Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services, said the nonprofit has seen a decrease in the number of calls reported to its 24-hour helpline. Hart said in March they helped 236 clients, as compared to 360 in March of last year.
Hart said the decrease suggests to her that people in abusive situations have a limited ability to reach out for help as Washington is under a “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order in an attempt to stop the spread of the new coronavirus. Gov. Jay Inslee has extended the order through May 31. Hart said during a stay-home order, abusive partners have more opportunity to watch and control who their victims talk to and what they do.
“Domestic violence is completely about power and control. We know from our work with survivors that an extremely common tactic is to gain and maintain control through isolation. … While an abusive person can use virtually any tool to exert control over a survivor, when you have available a public health concern and have a shelter-in-place order, the abuser has more ability to access their partner and they have more tools to manipulate and enforce isolation,” Hart said. “At the same time, community support and accountability systems are breaking down.”
Hart said as the isolation increases, victims aren’t able to reach out through normal support networks that they might otherwise be able to access outside of a stay-home order such as social media, work, family, friends or advocacy agencies, which increases the victim’s vulnerability.
And as stresses mount in the home, like job loss or having to educate children while schools are closed, the number of abusive incidents could rise or become more dangerous, Hart said. She said if a victim loses a job, they can become more financially dependent on their abusive partner, making it harder to leave the abusive relationship. Hart said prior to the global pandemic, financial impacts were one of the main reasons a victim would stay with an abusive partner.
“The fallout from this is going to be a lot more extreme than what we’re experiencing right now. This is the calm before the storm, even though it doesn’t feel calm,” Hart said.
Child abuse
Similar to DVSAS, the Brigid Collins Family Support Center, a local organization dedicated to ending child abuse, has seen a decrease in calls to its hotline, according to Executive Director Byron Manering.
Manering said it appeared that child abuse reports were down approximately 25% in the first few days after schools closed in Whatcom County. Manering said schools are often the first places indicators of potential abuse are discovered, but with schools out, children in abusive situations have fewer adults in their lives who are mandatory reporters. With increased isolation happening, children are at higher risk and less likely to be identified as needing help, Manering said.
Manering said he expected the number of reports to rise after the stay-home order is lifted, as children come into contact with more mandatory reporters. He said cases that went unidentified will be reported, but that the number of incidents and severity of abuse is expected to significantly increase.
“In times of crises, safety becomes a carefully monitored issue for us. Reporting of suspicions of child abuse are down and stress in the family unit is high,” Manering said in an emailed statement. “Brigid Collins parenting supports provide a resource to help with coping, routines, self-care and more. It’s OK to need support and we are here for you!”
Statewide intake calls for child abuse and neglect are also down by 50% from early February to early April, according to Debra Johnson, director of communications with the Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families.
Johnson said the department is working on engaging the community about how to identify and report suspected abuse, as well as craft standardized messaging for school staff who still see families. Johnson encouraged people to reach out, support one another and connect each other to resources during this time.
“We take the safety and well-being of our staff, providers and children seriously. We are coming up with innovative ways to keep safety in mind as we adjust to this pandemic,” Johnson said. “Signs of child abuse and neglect remain the same. Mandated reporters must always be on the lookout even when outside of their traditional environments.”
Important connections
Hart, with DVSAS, said during the stay home order, family and friends can make a big difference by reaching out to the victims through phone, by text or other means. She said having someone there to listen in a non-judgmental way can be a lifeline for a victim during this time period. Hart encouraged friends and family members to reach out to one another, especially if they know or suspect there’s an unhealthy power or control dynamic in the home.
“Right now more than ever, we’re all needing connections during this time of not being able to physically be together,” Hart said. “To be able to help provide a non-judgmental connection whenever possible is really important right now.”
Hart also said she wanted abuse victims to know that resources are still available during the stay home order. While DVSAS is not able to accept walk-in clients, the nonprofit is still able to provide assistance with protection orders, provide safe shelter and it’s 24-hour helpline at 360-715-1563 is always available.
“They have a lot of strength,” Hart said of domestic violence and sexual assault victims. “This is a time of considerable difficulty for everybody, but especially if you’re experiencing abuse in the home.”
Manering, with Brigid Collins, said the organization is still providing therapy, case management and parent-coaching services virtually. Brigid Collins is also offering free parent-coaching and seminar classes through the Parenting Academy during the public health emergency. The classes are available to all parents in Whatcom, Skagit, Island and San Juan counties.
In addition, the community raised $25,000 for Brigid Collins’ COVID-19 emergency assistance fund. The fund allows the organization to help families with essential needs like diapers, gas cards, utility or rental assistance and more. He said in the first week, Brigid Collins distributed more than $6,000 worth of emergency goods and services to families in need.
Manering also encouraged people to stay in touch with one another, and if child abuse is suspected, to call Child Protective Services, the statewide child abuse and neglect hotline at 866-363-4276, or report it to the regional intake office.
“As global citizens, our first thoughts are with those who have been impacted by COVID-19. Our hope is for a quick end to the spread of this virus,” Manering said in an email. “As with all of our neighbors, we at Brigid Collins are adapting to these new challenges and are doing well.”
Resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault, you can contact the following local resources for free, confidential support:
▪ Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services: 24-hour Help Line: 360-715-1563, Email: info@dvsas.org.
▪ Lummi Victims of Crime: 360-312-2015.
▪ Brigid Collins Family Support Center: 360-734-4616, brigidcollins.org.
▪ Bellingham Police: You can call anonymously at 360-778-8611, or go online at cob.org/tips.
▪ WWU Consultation and Sexual Assault Support Survivor Advocacy Services: 360-650-3700 or wp.wwu.edu/sexualviolence/.
▪ Washington state child abuse hotline: 866-363-4276.
▪ National Domestic Violence hotline: 1-800-799-7233, https://www.thehotline.org/
