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Domestic Violence Calls Mount as Restrictions Linger: ‘No One Can Leave’ Domestic Violence Calls Mount as Restrictions Linger: ‘No One Can Leave’
(about 16 hours later)
CHICAGO — The woman dialed the hotline from her car. Her partner was laid off from his job after the coronavirus outbreak hit the United States, she told the counselor, who listened from a basement call center in Chicago. He had become more tense and violent than ever. Please help.CHICAGO — The woman dialed the hotline from her car. Her partner was laid off from his job after the coronavirus outbreak hit the United States, she told the counselor, who listened from a basement call center in Chicago. He had become more tense and violent than ever. Please help.
Americans have been cooped up at home for months to slow the spread of the coronavirus, many of them living in small spaces, reeling from sudden job losses and financial worries. Children are home from school in every state in the country.Americans have been cooped up at home for months to slow the spread of the coronavirus, many of them living in small spaces, reeling from sudden job losses and financial worries. Children are home from school in every state in the country.
That confinement has led to another spiraling crisis: Doctors and advocates for victims are seeing signs of an increase in violence at home. They are hearing accounts of people lashing out, particularly at women and children.That confinement has led to another spiraling crisis: Doctors and advocates for victims are seeing signs of an increase in violence at home. They are hearing accounts of people lashing out, particularly at women and children.
“No one can leave,” Kim Foxx, the chief prosecutor in Chicago, said in an interview. “You’re literally mandating that people who probably should not be together in the same space stay.”“No one can leave,” Kim Foxx, the chief prosecutor in Chicago, said in an interview. “You’re literally mandating that people who probably should not be together in the same space stay.”
The problems have only deepened since stay-at-home orders were first imposed.The problems have only deepened since stay-at-home orders were first imposed.
In Chicago, the number of people seeking help has increased significantly in recent weeks. During the first week of March, 383 people called a domestic violence hotline in the city. By the end of April, the weekly number had soared to 549.In Chicago, the number of people seeking help has increased significantly in recent weeks. During the first week of March, 383 people called a domestic violence hotline in the city. By the end of April, the weekly number had soared to 549.
Text messages to the hotline have also skyrocketed, suggesting that victims have little physical distance from their abusers and find texting is safer than calling.Text messages to the hotline have also skyrocketed, suggesting that victims have little physical distance from their abusers and find texting is safer than calling.
The Chicago Police Department said that domestic-violence-related calls increased 12 percent during a period from the start of the year through mid-April, compared with the same time period in 2019. In other cities, including Los Angeles and New York, the police have seen a drop in calls, but the authorities have said they believed that victims were in such close quarters with their abusers that they were unable to call the police.The Chicago Police Department said that domestic-violence-related calls increased 12 percent during a period from the start of the year through mid-April, compared with the same time period in 2019. In other cities, including Los Angeles and New York, the police have seen a drop in calls, but the authorities have said they believed that victims were in such close quarters with their abusers that they were unable to call the police.
Amanda Pyron, the executive director of the Network, an advocacy organization in Chicago, said that many callers to the domestic violence hotline have requested shelter. Last month, in an effort to address the crisis, Mayor Lori Lightfoot of Chicago announced that a new city partnership with Airbnb would provide hotel rooms to people who need to flee a violent situation.Amanda Pyron, the executive director of the Network, an advocacy organization in Chicago, said that many callers to the domestic violence hotline have requested shelter. Last month, in an effort to address the crisis, Mayor Lori Lightfoot of Chicago announced that a new city partnership with Airbnb would provide hotel rooms to people who need to flee a violent situation.
But many other callers to the hotline in Chicago, which takes calls from across Illinois, have been from victims who are waiting out the coronavirus stay-at-home orders, reasoning that leaving at this time is riskier than ever. Callers have asked for help on how to keep their partners calm, how to secretly save money, how to develop code words with children that will tell them they need to call 911.But many other callers to the hotline in Chicago, which takes calls from across Illinois, have been from victims who are waiting out the coronavirus stay-at-home orders, reasoning that leaving at this time is riskier than ever. Callers have asked for help on how to keep their partners calm, how to secretly save money, how to develop code words with children that will tell them they need to call 911.
Some victims of violence are anticipating that stay-at-home orders will be lifted before long, and are making plans for when that day will come.Some victims of violence are anticipating that stay-at-home orders will be lifted before long, and are making plans for when that day will come.
“The pandemic has put the pressure on,” Ms. Pyron said. “No one can go stay somewhere for a few days, have family come over, have the kids go stay with grandparents. Those safety supports aren’t accessible in a meaningful way.”“The pandemic has put the pressure on,” Ms. Pyron said. “No one can go stay somewhere for a few days, have family come over, have the kids go stay with grandparents. Those safety supports aren’t accessible in a meaningful way.”
Ms. Lightfoot unveiled a five-phase plan last week for reopening the city, a schedule with strict benchmarks before restrictions on businesses, lakefront parks and public services can be lifted. Chicago has been hard hit by the coronavirus, which has sickened more than 1.4 million people in the United States and killed more than 85,000.Ms. Lightfoot unveiled a five-phase plan last week for reopening the city, a schedule with strict benchmarks before restrictions on businesses, lakefront parks and public services can be lifted. Chicago has been hard hit by the coronavirus, which has sickened more than 1.4 million people in the United States and killed more than 85,000.
One woman who recently left her abusive partner, who asked that her name not be published out of concern that he might retaliate, said that she lost her job because of the coronavirus, making it more difficult to live on her own.One woman who recently left her abusive partner, who asked that her name not be published out of concern that he might retaliate, said that she lost her job because of the coronavirus, making it more difficult to live on her own.
In an interview, she said she had no intention of returning to her former husband, who on one occasion beat her so badly that she was hospitalized, and that she was relying on family and friends to help. “It’s terrible for women who are living with their abusers right now,” she said. “It’s hard to walk out during normal times.”In an interview, she said she had no intention of returning to her former husband, who on one occasion beat her so badly that she was hospitalized, and that she was relying on family and friends to help. “It’s terrible for women who are living with their abusers right now,” she said. “It’s hard to walk out during normal times.”
Many shelters, citing worries over the spread of the virus inside their facilities, have stopped accepting newcomers.Many shelters, citing worries over the spread of the virus inside their facilities, have stopped accepting newcomers.
In Evanston, Ill., a Y.W.C.A. shelter for weeks remained open to the women and children who were there before the outbreak, but no new families were being allowed inside. The shelter’s hotline was closed down. Only one staff member was working at a time.In Evanston, Ill., a Y.W.C.A. shelter for weeks remained open to the women and children who were there before the outbreak, but no new families were being allowed inside. The shelter’s hotline was closed down. Only one staff member was working at a time.
But the administrators of the shelter still worried about the 32 families inside. If one of those women or children contracted the coronavirus, there would be no way to isolate them. The risk of transmission loomed.But the administrators of the shelter still worried about the 32 families inside. If one of those women or children contracted the coronavirus, there would be no way to isolate them. The risk of transmission loomed.
Last month, the administrators of the shelter made a difficult choice: They closed it entirely, moving families to hotels instead.Last month, the administrators of the shelter made a difficult choice: They closed it entirely, moving families to hotels instead.
They reopened their hotline, and so far, few callers have requested immediate shelter.They reopened their hotline, and so far, few callers have requested immediate shelter.
“What they’re seeking from the counselors is support in how to keep things at peace at home, figuring out what options they have if they absolutely have to leave the house,” said Sandy Williams, the director of the shelter.“What they’re seeking from the counselors is support in how to keep things at peace at home, figuring out what options they have if they absolutely have to leave the house,” said Sandy Williams, the director of the shelter.
Updated June 12, 2020 Updated June 16, 2020
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
The Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline is still operating in the basement of a building in downtown Chicago. Callers have needed to vent, saying that stress at home has increased lately, said Alondra Montes, the hotline’s director.The Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline is still operating in the basement of a building in downtown Chicago. Callers have needed to vent, saying that stress at home has increased lately, said Alondra Montes, the hotline’s director.
In the beginning of the stay-at-home restrictions in March, they echoed many of the same questions. If I go to a shelter, will I be forced to stay there indefinitely, under rules from elected officials? Am I allowed to travel out of the city or state?In the beginning of the stay-at-home restrictions in March, they echoed many of the same questions. If I go to a shelter, will I be forced to stay there indefinitely, under rules from elected officials? Am I allowed to travel out of the city or state?
Many have asked: Which is safer, staying at home with my abuser, or going to a shelter?Many have asked: Which is safer, staying at home with my abuser, or going to a shelter?
“You have health issues, work issues, financial issues, and then everybody is at home on top of each other,” said Jenelle Pedroza, a social worker at Legal Aid Chicago, who added that children were especially at risk at times like these.“You have health issues, work issues, financial issues, and then everybody is at home on top of each other,” said Jenelle Pedroza, a social worker at Legal Aid Chicago, who added that children were especially at risk at times like these.
“We frequently hear clients talk about doing whatever they can to placate their partner,” she said. “More kids are going to be exposed to domestic violence because they’re home and they’ll experience the tension and the residual violence.”“We frequently hear clients talk about doing whatever they can to placate their partner,” she said. “More kids are going to be exposed to domestic violence because they’re home and they’ll experience the tension and the residual violence.”
There have also been alarming effects on children. In April, phone calls and texts to the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline increased 17 percent over the same period last year, according to a spokeswoman, Rebecca Cooper.There have also been alarming effects on children. In April, phone calls and texts to the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline increased 17 percent over the same period last year, according to a spokeswoman, Rebecca Cooper.
One hotline counselor received a call from the sibling of a health care worker who had left her small children home with her boyfriend, since she had no other child care options.One hotline counselor received a call from the sibling of a health care worker who had left her small children home with her boyfriend, since she had no other child care options.
Both children had physical signs of abuse after being left in the boyfriend’s care, the sibling told the counselor, and the local child protection agency did not intervene.Both children had physical signs of abuse after being left in the boyfriend’s care, the sibling told the counselor, and the local child protection agency did not intervene.
Many doctors, already overwhelmed with treating the coronavirus, are now seeing an increase in children with telltale injuries from abuse.Many doctors, already overwhelmed with treating the coronavirus, are now seeing an increase in children with telltale injuries from abuse.
Cook Children’s Medical Center, a hospital in Fort Worth, saw seven cases of child abuse in a five-day stretch in March, a spike that medical personnel suspected was connected to the outbreak.Cook Children’s Medical Center, a hospital in Fort Worth, saw seven cases of child abuse in a five-day stretch in March, a spike that medical personnel suspected was connected to the outbreak.
Dr. Jamye Coffman, the medical director at the Center for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect in Fort Worth, which is part of Cook Children’s, said that during the previous recession, pediatricians saw a rise in serious physical abuse, and she worried that the same phenomenon was beginning to occur.Dr. Jamye Coffman, the medical director at the Center for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect in Fort Worth, which is part of Cook Children’s, said that during the previous recession, pediatricians saw a rise in serious physical abuse, and she worried that the same phenomenon was beginning to occur.
“The other thing I’m worried about is that nobody’s watching kids except the families,” she said, noting that teachers are frequently the people who call child services to report abuse. “There may be abuse that hasn’t been reported because nobody knows that it’s happening.”“The other thing I’m worried about is that nobody’s watching kids except the families,” she said, noting that teachers are frequently the people who call child services to report abuse. “There may be abuse that hasn’t been reported because nobody knows that it’s happening.”