For Idaho’s domestic violence victims, home isolation isn’t always safe. Here’s who can help
While government and health officials urge people to stay home during the coronavirus pandemic, some advocates are reminding the public that they have options if their home is not a safe place to isolate.
As of Wednesday morning, nine people in four Idaho counties had tested positive for the virus.
Being in isolation makes it more challenging for those who experience domestic violence, advocates say. For people who experience this type of violence, being cooped up at home means there is no escape from the control, verbal abuse and physical abuse that they experience.
Local police saw a mild increase in domestic reports last week, compared to the same time last year, but it’s too early to tell if it is a real trend.
From March 7 through March 14, Boise Police responded to 63 reports of domestic battery and domestic disputes. In the same week of 2019, Boise Police responded to 55 reports of domestic battery and domestic disputes.
“It’s still probably too early to know for sure if this is a trend,” Boise Police spokeswoman Haley Williams said in an email. “The (domestic violence) numbers go up and down all the time. Even if there is an increase in those types of calls, the overall call load has not changed dramatically, so our normal staffing levels are still currently sufficient.”
The Boise Women’s and Children’s Alliance’s crisis center, at 720 W. Washington St., remains open and hotlines continue to operate 24 hours a day. The women’s emergency and transitional shelters will continue to operate with trained client advocates there to support residential clients.
“Research shows that home is not always safe for everyone,” WCA Director Bea Black wrote in a statement. “Incidences of domestic violence rise after natural disasters, most likely because perpetrators have increased access to their families and support services break down.”
Faces of Hope provides services for victims of child abuse, domestic violence, sexual violence and elder abuse. The center sees an average 18 people a day and last year assisted roughly 2,400 people, according to Foundation Executive Director Paige Dinger.
“People who are dealing with domestic violence are already isolated,” Dinger told the Statesman on Wednesday. “They are being monitored and controlled all the time. The coronavirus just heightens that.”
Faces of Hope is still open to assist survivors with protection orders, filing reports, medical care, support services and counseling. Dinger said the center is offering counseling over the phone or through televideo services to people who may be ill or at-risk of exposure to COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
Dinger said she’s worried about increased physical abuse and the emotional toll it will take on victims who are required to stay home with a perpetrator. Sometimes an abuser leaving for work can be a “reprieve” for victims, she said.
“Some of them aren’t getting the break of their partner going to work,” she said. “I’m worried about actual abuse, but I’m also worried about their emotional well-being. “
The victim center, at 417 S. 6th St., remains open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline also offers suggestions online for how victims of domestic violence could create safety plans during the coronavirus pandemic.
NEED HELP?
The Women’s and Children’s Alliance in Boise is available through its hotline at 208-343-7025 for victims of domestic violence, or online at wcaboise.org.
The Faces of Hope Victim Center is available for victims in need of emergency services at 417 S. 6th St. in Boise. Victims should call 911 in emergencies or call 208-577-4400 on weekdays during business hours. Faces of Hope provides free medical care and forensic examinations for victims, as well as assistance with filing police reports and mental health care after an assault.
Anyone in need of help or who believes they may be in a violent relationship is encouraged to contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
This story was originally published March 18, 2020 at 11:48 AM.
