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A report from the Domestic Violence Network shows that domestic violence calls and severity of incidents both increased during the pandemic.
The data collected is from 2020, and shows that 3,709 arrests were made for domestic violence – 300 fewer than 2019. This can be attributed to safety precautions put into place in the jail system during the pandemic.
Shelter capacity also decreased at Indiana organizations because of COVID-19 protocols, and 1,152 individuals were denied service because of this.
But an increased number of shelters also reported being under capacity, according to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute.
Solutions recommended in the DVN report include increased funding for service providers in Indiana, more education about healthy relationships, and changing justice practices.
Numbers to call: Julian Center 317-920-9320, Indiana 211, National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
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Guests
Amanda Salgueiro, Director of Research and Impact, Domestic Violence Network
Jami Schnurpel, Julian Center director of programs and survivor services
Debra Morrow, The Middle Way House executive director