As people have been forced to stay at home during the COVID-19 crisis, families have found themselves in uncharted waters when it comes to childcare and education. Nearly every family in the United States has found themselves forced to homeschool their children, and not everyone has been happy with the situation.
As tensions in homes and communities have mounted, so have the incidents of domestic violence, child abuse, and child endangerment. According to an article in USA Today, published May 13, 2020, hospitals across the nation have seen an increase in both the number and the severity of suspected child abuse injuries during the coronavirus shutdown.
Families Under Pressure
The nationwide shutdown related to the COVID-19 pandemic placed many families around the country in uncharted waters. With no school for children to attend, no job for parents to work at, and no outlet for children’s boundless energy, the pressure in homes has risen until many parents are reporting record levels of stress and anxiety. The high level of stress is related to both the coronavirus pandemic itself, social distancing requirements, a lack of work in some cases, and the unrelenting pressure of child care in a state of isolation. All of this works together to create a perfect storm for domestic violence and child abuse.
Child Abuse & Domestic Violence During The Coronavirus
While reports of suspected child abuse went down during the coronavirus shutdown, the incidents of abuse were unlikely to be lower, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Children & Family Services. Rather, the abuse was hidden and allowed to go on undetected, which is the fear of many in law enforcement and family services. With no children under the watchful eye of teachers, who are mandatory reporters for child abuse, many feared that child abuse was rising, even while reported incidents were way down. According to Los Angeles Police Deputy Chief Kris Pitcher, his department saw a 53% decrease in child abuse reports, even while seeing an uptick in domestic violence calls. Authorities fear that many children were in danger, but hidden from sight.
How To Cope With Family & Parenting Stress
Increased stress and anxiety during the coronavirus is a large enough issue that the CDC issued guidelines to help individuals cope during the crisis. Ways to reduce stress during the coronavirus include turning off the news and social media, taking walks or getting other exercises, and eating healthy meals.
Ways To Reduce Stress
Stay Educated - Knowing the risks and how to prevent illness can keep you from being overwhelmed by feelings of impending doom.
Take Care of Your Body - Eat healthy meals, get regular exercise, and get regular sleep.
Avoid Drugs & Alcohol - It may be tempting to use drugs or alcohol to ease the stress and anxiety, but in the end, these products can add to a sense of anxiety, stress, and paranoia.
Stay Connected - Reach out to friends and family members. Even with social distancing, you can keep in touch with friends and loved ones.
Stay Informed - Rely on reliable sources of information to know what’s going on in the world and what you should be doing to protect yourself. But, be aware that many rumors and misinformation are being circulated on Social Media and the internet. Find sources you can trust to give you facts and information.
Turn Off The News - While you want to stay informed, watching too much news can lead to an overload of information. Turn off the television and stay away from Social Media when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Focus On The Good - There are many good things in the world around you. Find joy where you can and focus on those things in your life that you enjoy.
Seek Help When You Need It - If you find yourself unable to cope, or just needing someone impartial to speak to, reach out to a counselor, doctor, or member of the clergy for advice and counseling.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - (800) 273-TALK (8255)
National Helpline - (800) 662-HELP (4357)
California Domestic Violence Assistance
Behavior Health Treatment Services Locator
Protect Your Family - Even From Yourself
If you find that you are stressed out and taking it out on the people you love, reach out for help. Take a walk, get away, or find a friend you can talk to. Nobody wants to think of themselves as abusive or violent, but if you find yourself acting out in ways that make your worry for your children or spouse, get the help you need for their sake and yours. In addition to the lasting damage done to children and relationships, domestic violence and child abuse are serious charges that will haunt you for the rest of your life. Take steps to prevent domestic violence and child abuse in your home by taking steps to relieve pressure and get the help you need before things get out of hand.
Charged with Domestic Violence or Child Abuse
Domestic violence and child abuse are charges that carry severe punishments and a stigma that can affect the rest of your life. Prevention is key, however, if you find that you have already crossed lines that you wish you hadn’t and have been charged with domestic violence or child abuse, Justice Bail Bonds can help with bail bonds that allow you to get out of jail so that you can work on your parenting and relationship skills as you work through the charges against you.
Bail Bonds for Child Abuse & Domestic Violence
If you are facing charges of child abuse or domestic violence, call Justice Bail Bonds for help with Child Abuse Bail Bonds or Domestic Violence Bail Bonds. Justice has been serving the residents of Riverside County for over 20 years. Their bi-lingual, all-female bail bond agents are experienced and professional and can help you navigate the road between jail and home when you’re faced with incarceration.
For more information about domestic violence bail bonds or child abuse bail bonds, call Justice Bail Bonds at (951) 445-4155.
