Domestic violence coalition expects surge in cases

PROVIDENCE, RI (WLNE) – With a stay-at-home order still in place and all non-essential businesses in Rhode Island shut down because of the coronavirus, advocates against domestic violence believe it’s inevitable that cases of domestic abuse will rise.

According to Tonya Harris, executive director of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence, with more people being at home there’s a greater risk to victims.

“The abuser in many instances will have 24/7 access to the victim if they’re still living with each other,” Harris said. “Nationally what we know is that there’s an increase in domestic violence matters and domestic violence calls and locally we’re expecting to see the same.”

Some police departments, like Cranston and Warwick, said they have not seen an uptick in cases related to quarantine, but Harris said it doesn’t mean these crimes aren’t happening.

“Decrease in calls doesn’t mean a decrease in incidents, right. One has nothing to do with the other,” she said. “The victim may not be able to make that phone call. The victim may not be able to reach out to anyone.”

The coalition is currently working remotely due to COVID-19 concerns, but they expanded resources for victims in abusive relationships.

“We have a 24/7 statewide help line, confidential line that our victims can call-in on. We’ve also expanded our chat line so a victim can now text in,” she said.

Although courts have been ordered to close until next month, Harris wants to emphasize that the justice system is still there to help victims.

“What hasn’t changed is that restraining orders can be issued,” she said. “They are hearing domestic violence cases and are issuing restraining orders and temporary restraining orders for victims.”

The coalition has a 24/7 hotline for victims of domestic violence. That number is 1-800-494-8100.

More resources can also be found here.