Roll Call Tips Law Enforcement Response to Incidents of Domestic Violence and the COVID-19 Virus
• As a first responder you should consider the effects of COVID-19 on victims and offenders • Social distancing and not going to work (or restaurants, movies, etc.) lead to more isolation and leave victims with fewer opportunities to be alone when they can safely call family, friends, or hotlines for support • Hotlines are reporting that victims say abusers are using COVID-19 as an abuse tactic, refusing to allow victims to leave the home at all, threatening to kick a victim out of the home exposing them to the virus, forcing victims to wash their hands until their raw and bloody or hiding/controlling access to soap and cleaning supplies • Victims may fear going to shelters and getting COVID-19 virus • Abusers may lie and tell victims false information about COVID-19 (officers can provide correct information and resources) • Lost wages / income may escalate financial stress and become a tool of abuse / power / control • Abusers may control access to medication and this may make victims more susceptible to COVID-19 virus • Since so many children are not in school or child care, they may witness and experience more abuse and be in more danger or being abused themselves 1 of 3
Roll Call Tips Law Enforcement Response to Incidents of Domestic Violence and the COVID-19 Virus
• As a first responder you should consider the effects of COVID19 victims and offenders: • Be aware that firearms and ammunition sales have spiked recently, possibly putting officers and victims at higher risk • Investigations and arrests for domestic and sexual violence should continue as normal • Supervisors should acknowledge officers are wary of going into people’s houses for investigations. Do officers have access to gloves and PPE? • Do officers have access to hand sanitizer, hand washing after being in someone’s home? • Is it feasible for officers to stay 6 feet away when talking with someone? • Supervisors play a vital role in making sure officers continue to do thorough investigations • Abusers may try to use COVID-19 as an excuse to keep officers away, out of the house, etc. 2 of 3
Roll Call Tips Law Enforcement Response to Incidents of Domestic Violence and the COVID-19 Virus
• As a first responder you should consider the effects of COVID19 on support services, courts, jail protocols and the questions you may get: • Do local hospitals recommend victims go to the ER for injuries, or is that too dangerous because of COVID-19? Where else can they go? • Has EMS changed any protocols for strangulation or other injuries? • National hotlines are still running, even if local support services are not • Have courts changed how they are issuing emergency protection orders? Have courts extended all temporary protection orders? • Make sure officers can provide accurate, up-to-date information, guidance, and resources to victims. 3 of 3