Research has shown that during extreme circumstances such as COVID-19, there will be a spike in family violence.
Due to the current situation, there are a number contributing factors that can increase the risk of family violence. These factors include but are not limited to; increased financial insecurity, the decrease of employment, housing insecurity and increased sustained periods of time that families are in the home together due to isolation/quarantine. There may also be a reduced ability for individuals and their children to leave the family violence during this time.
Reduced access to support and community services when schools, activities and other community services are closed for containment reasons, are other factors that are linked to a heightened risk of family violence.
It is important for anyone experiencing family violence to know that family violence is never ok, no matter the circumstances or situation — and that support is here for you.