The stay-at-home orders that were put into place at the beginning of the pandemic were meant to keep us safe, but for some, it was potentially putting them in danger. The number of deaths involving domestic violence in Phoenix has more than doubled this past year, according to officials.
The Phoenix Police Department released numbers indicating that in the first half of 2019 there were 10 homicides related to domestic violence. That number has since risen to 24 homicides in 2020, resulting in a 140% increase.
Along with the pandemic came isolation and social distancing which has rapidly increased the domestic violence rates, according to Jenna Panas, the CEO of the non-profit called the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence. The coalition is an organization that focuses on ending domestic violence by dismantling oppression and promoting equity among all people.
“We know that domestic violence is really all about control and in isolation it is a tool by which to control people and, of course, COVID-19 has unwittingly provided that tool quite nicely where individuals are experiencing more isolation in their homes,” Panas said.
The pandemic has also placed more stress on the household in general, which Panas says could be another reason behind the recent rise in cases and their seriousness.
“The consequences are becoming more severe and that is likely because individuals are housed together and there is increased stress at this time,” Panas said. “(There’s) increased financial stress, increased stress of trying to figure out your job and your children while being in a home, isolated at the same time, doesn’t create the best circumstances.”
Michelle Ormiston, the communications coordinator at the Chrysalis Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence, said she also noticed that more needs to be done to help victims, especially during this pandemic.
“Home is a safe place for many people, but never for victims who have to live with their abusers,” said Ormiston.
She said that during COVID-19 it is especially worse for victims because of the state’s stay-at-home order in the early period of the virus. This led victims to no longer participate in their daily routines. Many citizens didn’t even leave the house to go to work. The lack of social interaction often leads to increased stress levels, sometimes at an unmanageable level.
Ormiston says one of the best ways to cope with this stress is to call a close friend or loved one and talk to them about your issues.
The City of Phoenix has launched a Domestic Violence Help campaign in response to these increasing rates. The campaign is a community initiative that has been created to increase awareness of the resources available to those facing domestic abuse.
The campaign’s website, created by the city, includes information and resources for victims of domestic violence with a design to make it easier for people to find the services they need when in times of trouble.
There are several links to domestic violence shelters in Arizona, as well as the phone numbers to multiple different hotlines that victims can call when they need help. There are also links to protective orders with forms that can easily and quickly be filled out by anyone who may need them.
Tamra Ingersoll, a human services spokesperson for the city, is very passionate about the Phoenix’s new campaign.
“We want to make sure that we get it out in the community that there are services available for those who need it,” Ingersoll said.
The City of Phoenix Family Advocacy Center, the Phoenix Police Department and the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence are all working together to support this campaign to help spread a message of hope to those who are in dangerous situations at home.
The Domestic Violence Help campaign also has several resources listed for victims who need to talk to someone or who need to get help in an unsafe situation. To learn more about the campaigns initiative, visit the city of Phoenix’s campaign website.
Contact the reporter at amstansf@asu.edu.
