Trial Lawyers With Over 50 Years Of Combined Experience

COVID-19 Quarantine Can Lead to More Domestic Violence Arrests

On Behalf of | Apr 24, 2020 | Criminal Law

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit New York the hardest out of all states in the country, resulting in more than 250,000 cases and nearly 15,000 deaths as of April 22, 2020. While the state and local governments, as well as healthcare workers, do their part to “flatten the curve,” the statewide stay-at-home order will remain in effect, which means people must stay in their homes at all times and many businesses must stay closed until further notice.

Being around family everyday throughout each day, unemployment, and the constant stress over finances during the quarantine can lead to an increase in domestic violence arrests. There is evidence that forced quarantine in China has caused a significant rise in intimate partner violence.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that domestic violence rates increase during epidemics, natural disasters, wars, and other times of crisis. Not only are women the most at risk, but children are also likely to be the victim of family-related violence.

Another added risk factor is the presence of a firearm. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought out the hoard-mentality in many people, causing them to panic buy toilet paper, and disinfecting products in bulk. This has also led to a substantial increase in gun purchases and gun ownership is an important factor in fatal domestic violence incidents.

Domestic violence is a serious problem, and those in need of assistance can text 844-997-2121 or connect with a professional through New York State’s new confidential website, www.opdv.ny.gov. Both are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, many domestic violence arrests are based on false allegations. Whether a disgruntled spouse or family member wishes to seek revenge or gain an advantage in child custody proceedings, a phone call to the police can more than likely result in an arrest.

Attorney Arthur R. Frost is an award-winning and experienced criminal defense lawyer at our firm. He has helped many clients in Troy, Albany, Schenectady, and elsewhere get their charges/penalties reduced, obtain not-guilty verdicts, and get their entire case dismissed.

If you have been arrested for domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic, contact Frost & Kavanaugh, P.C. today at (518) 730-4222 to discuss your case with our legal team.