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The shutdown may feel endless for domestic abuse victims, but help is still available
Hayes Hickman
For many people living in an abusive relationship, the chance of escape feels even less likely amid the isolation of the coronavirus pandemic, advocates say.
Safe Space of East Tennessee hosted only two clients at its 26-bed domestic violence shelter in Jefferson County on Friday, executive director Van Wolfe told Knox News.
Calls to the nonprofit agency's 24-hour hotline also have dropped off since Tennesseans were ordered to stay-at-home in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Wolfe said she's received similar reports from other shelters across the state.
"The pandemic is causing major roadblocks for victims," Wolfe said. "Domestic violence has not gone away. ... But they literally can't get away from their abusers to make a phone call."
Law enforcement agencies are allowing officers more leeway in deciding when to make arrests for the sake of reducing jail inmate populations. State courts have suspended most in-person hearings, and access to county courthouses varies across Tennessee, with some court clerks' offices currently open to the public by appointment only.
All of that can create the misconception for many in crisis that help won't come, Wolfe said.
Safe Space and other shelters, however, offer valuable legal assistance to help victims file orders or protection.
"Orders of protection can still be obtained," Wolfe stressed. "We know that process that is specifically different to each county. We can make that call and start that process.
"That's why the expertise and inroads that shelters have to the courts is so critical right now."
The number of people seeking help at the Helen Ross McNabb Family Crisis Center in Knoxville also has dropped off since Gov. Bill Lee issued the statewide stay-at-home order, according to David Kitts, program coordinator for the Knoxville Police Department's Special Crimes Unit.
"Usually, the victim calls once the abuser leaves the home," he said. "Now, the abuser is always there."
Total domestic-related calls for service to KPD this year, however, have increased 5% over 2019, according to unofficial numbers compiled by KPD's Crime Analysis Unit.
Despite the apparent discrepancy, in many cases 911 calls are made by a concerned neighbor or loved one, although the victim may not be willing reach out for help once officers arrive, Kitts said.
Other pandemic-related factors also may be at play, he said. Victims might feel a financial obligation to stay in the home if they or their partner has lost their job, or if they have no childcare options.
Agencies such as the Knoxville Family Justice Center can help victims address both immediate and longer-term needs, Kitts noted.
KPD spokesman Scott Erland encouraged domestic violence victims to call 911 and to be honest about the situation.
"If you need the police, the police are going to be there," Erland said. "They need to state clearly what happened if they were assaulted. And they need to state clearly what they need.
"The victim needs to be an advocate for themselves. Seek that help - there's a person who is there to help, and who wants to help."
If you or a loved one is in an abusive domestic situation, don't be afraid to reach out:
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
Knoxville Family Justice Center helpline: 865-521-6336
Helen Ross McNabb Family Crisis Center crisis hotline: 865-637-8000
Safe Space of East Tennessee hotline: 1-800-244-5968