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Domestic violence and social isolation during COVID-19

As the coronavirus pandemic spreads across the country, states are mandating “stay at home” orders; and with these orders comes further social isolation for domestic violence (DV) survivors and their families. Many recent articles highlight the potential risks for DV victims “stuck at home” with their abusers as their opportunities to seek help and support are dwindling. With only ‘essential’ businesses, such as grocery stores, gas stations, and hospitals, still open, survivors have fewer places to go and fewer chances to interact with others and receive services, creating even further social isolation. In addition, as nonessential businesses begin to close, unemployment rates continue to climb, potentially increasing stress in relationships and survivors become more financially dependent upon their abusers.

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