{"id":6942,"date":"2020-04-14T14:52:49","date_gmt":"2020-04-14T20:52:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.scramsystems.com\/blog\/?p=6942"},"modified":"2020-05-20T18:06:33","modified_gmt":"2020-05-21T00:06:33","slug":"domestic-violence-the-hidden-danger-of-social-distancing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.scramsystems.com\/blog\/2020\/04\/domestic-violence-the-hidden-danger-of-social-distancing\/","title":{"rendered":"Domestic Violence: The Hidden Danger of Social Distancing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

For most, this is a time of fear and uncertainty. Unfortunately, for some, the fear comes more from the solution than from the COVID-19 virus itself. While social distancing is essential to help minimize exposure to the virus and to save lives, the act itself can be dangerous for those in an abusive or alcohol-dependent relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Isolation and Domestic Violence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Isolation is a common tactic used by an abuser to control\nhis or her partner. By eliminating external sources of support for the victim,\nthe abuser is able to solidify a position of power. This behavior can be\ndemonstrated in a variety of ways, from monitoring a victim\u2019s phone activity to\ncompletely cutting out or restricting contact with friends and family.\nUnfortunately, now that we are many weeks into this crisis, it is likely that\nthe magnitude of partner abuse could intensify. According to BreakTheCycle.org<\/a>, isolation can \u201ccreate\nthe space in a relationship for the partner using abusive behaviors to escalate\nother harmful behaviors.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alcohol Abuse Amplifies Risk<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Evidence suggests that alcohol use increases the chance and gravity of domestic violence<\/a>, demonstrating a direct correlation between the two. “Because alcohol use affects cognitive and physical function, it reduces a person\u2019s self-control and lessens their ability to negotiate a non-violent resolution to conflicts,” according to Alcohol.org<\/a>. “Alcohol is often involved in instances of domestic abuse, both by the perpetrator and the victim, which can result in more significant and negative outcomes.” In fact, an estimated 55 percent of people who commit domestic abuse were drinking<\/a>, and women who experience domestic violence are up to 15 times more likely to abuse alcohol themselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How COVID-19 Could Uniquely Impact Intimate Partner Violence Survivors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

By being asked to further separate from others, this sense of isolation is even more pronounced for victims of abuse. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline<\/a> website, there are a number of ways that the COVID-19 crisis could be uniquely impacting survivors of partner abuse: <\/p>\n\n\n\n