Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

January 13, 2021

When “Shelter-in-Place” Isn’t Shelter That’s Safe: A Rapid Analysis of Domestic Violence Case Differences during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Stay-at-Home Orders

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A study using domestic violence data from Chicago found that during the COVID-19 pandemic, cases of domestic violence with arrests were 20% less likely and cases of domestic violence at residential locations were 22% more likely compared to the pre-pandemic period. During the shelter-in-place period, domestic violence cases at residential locations were 64% more likely and cases with child victims were 67% less likely. The authors highlight the need for new ways to understand and respond to children’s experiences at home given the lack of access to mandated reporters like teachers and social workers. 

McLay. (Jan 7, 2021). When “Shelter-in-Place” Isn’t Shelter That’s Safe: A Rapid Analysis of Domestic Violence Case Differences during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Stay-at-Home Orders. Journal of Family Violence. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-020-00225-6