Domestic violence reports are up statewide, state officials say, and they attribute the increase to restrictions in place to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Domestic violence victims are even more vulnerable and unsafe while isolated at home without being able to get away from their abuser, the Office of the Prevention of Domestic Violence said in a news release.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Wednesday announced he has appointed Melissa DeRosa, Secretary to the Governor, to lead new task force looking in to matter.
“We need to do more to help women who are stuck in dangerous situations,’ said DeRosa, who is also chair of the New York State Council on Women and Girls.
Domestic violence report are up
Calls to the state’s domestic violence hotline are up 30 percent in April compared to last year and calls increased 18 percent from February to March 2020, the OPDV said.
State Police report domestic violence incident calls were up 15 percent in March compared to last year. The state Division of Criminal Justice Services says reports of intimate partner victimizations were 12 percent higher in the first quarter of 2020 than in the same period last year.
New Yorkers seeking help can call 1-800-942-6906, text 844-997-2121 or chat with a professional on a new confidential website at www.opdv.ny.gov. The call, text and chat services are staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with OPDV staff who are experts in the area of domestic violence.
Tips on getting help
The OPDV offers these tips on getting help for those who are or fear they may become victims of domestic violence, and for allies — friends, family and bystanders in a position to help.
For Your Safety:
- Call 911 if you are in immediate danger and the police will respond
- Seek treatment at a hospital emergency department if needed — hospitals are open and a safe place to go for medical care
- Add NYS resource info (above) under a fake contact name to avoid suspicion
- Create a code word for friends and family that will tell them you need help
- Know the areas in your home with a lock on the door
- Prepare a go-bag with important documents, medication and extra clothing
- Tell your family and friends where you will flee if you need to leave urgently
- Talk with your children about safety so they have a sense of acceptable situations
- Advocates are available to help you days, evenings and weekends
Be an Ally:
- Listen without judgment
- Support their decisions — they made their choices for a reason
- Remind them that it’s not their fault — there is no excuse for abuse
- Let them know all services are still up and running – 911, shelters, healthcare
- Refer them to the services above — text, chat or call an advocate
- Help them brainstorm other places they can stay
- Remind them that they are not alone
- Build on their strengths — they’ve survived
- Talk about their options
- Ask how you can help and what they need
- Don’t tell them what to do — it’s time they have control over their own lives
