For every reported domestic violence incident, three go unreported. Life in the time of corona may be exacerbating these further as social distancing protocols are in place. Victims are at home confined with their abusers and are further isolated from individuals and entities that can provide support and serve as resources. Apart from the public health threats that COVID-19 poses to all of us, people in abusive relationships and violent homes face yet another risk of increased victimization as everyone is being forced to stay at home.
To talk about the unintended consequences of the COVID-19 response on family violence is Andrew Campbell. Andrew is the Founder of Campbell Research & Consulting where he primarily works on domestic violence cases and its associated risks. His expertise in the field comes from first-hand experience of violence at home and comprehensive data collection and analysis.
Points discussed in this session include:
- The prevalence of domestic violence (DV) and intimate partner violence (IPV) and the disparity between incidences and actual reports.
- Comparing publicly available data and Andrew’s research findings.
- The Link: How IPV/DV correlates to abuse of children and pets at home.
- What pets provide people, particularly in homes that experience violence, and why they are targeted by perpetrators.
- Children in violent homes: Their risk for abuse and neglect, how they are impacted, and their likelihood to perpetrate abuse to animals and humans due to exposure to violence.
- How a history of animal abuse increases a person’s likelihood to commit other crimes, violence, and abuse.
- Understanding the factors that increase the risk of violence and abuse in a home and COVID-19-specific elements impacting this.
- Specific days in the week and months in the year when abuse is perpetrated at home.
- Living conditions, education, history and habits that put an individual at a higher risk for abuse perpetration.
- COVID-19 response-related factors that aggravate the risk of victimization at home.
- A glimpse into the timeline of family violence, the incidents, the trigger to report, and how COVID-19 puts the timeline on a fast track of abuse escalation.
- How DV reports increased amidst lockdown all over the world.
- The increased child abuse incidents that go undetected as kids are inaccessible to the agencies that typically report these cases.
- The higher risk for fatalities due to the increased sale of firearms.
- Intervention efforts to employ by activating new community partners that can help spot and report abuse incidents while everyone is practicing social distancing and isolation.
- Leveraging the concept of the Link when reporting to check if adults, children, and pets are safe and are not subjected to abuse.
- Our responsibility to take the subject of family violence seriously and report incidents before the violence escalates and turns lethal.
Andrew addressed the audience questions on:
- Following up animal abuse reports to uncover any other forms of violence that may transpire at home.
- Seasonality and specific days and time when abuse is likely to be perpetrated.
- The potential impact of the stimulus checks to violence at home.
- Means for resources to make it easier for victims to reach out for help and support during these trying times.
Handouts and Resources
Audience Comments
- “I commend Andrew’s transparency and his diligent hard work. It makes me want to fight harder to protect the most vulnerable. Thanks for all you all do.” — Adrienne
- “The link between animal violence and domestic violence. I had no idea it was that interrelated. Also having the encouragement to continue engaging community partners and think outside of the box when it comes to reporting during COVID.” — Amanda
- “I loved the facts that were in this presentation and how they correlated.” — April
- “Andrew is a great presenter – his balance of heavy information, personal stories, and humor made this a very pleasant webinar. I think the title was a little deceptive… I wish the pet piece had been included in the title as it was such a compelling and significant part of the presentation. Also kudos to Andrew for rolling with tech issues with such grace!” — Audrey
- “This was one of the most informative, interesting webinars I have viewed. Very knowledgeable speaker and his passion came through 100%.” — Bethany
- “Excellent webinar, statistics are very important. Also, help for continuing to educate the community. The PowerPoint was very specific.” — Celia
- “Excellent presentation. Lots of good information. Interesting info about animals and children also being abused if an adult in the home is being abused. Good presenter.” — Carrie
- “The webinar provided valuable information regarding the patterns of domestic violence and how animals have a vital roll in intimate relationships.” — Danielle
- “Speaker was great! Very informative, especially the visual mapping of the correlation between animal abuse calls and domestic violence calls. Thanks!” — Emily
- “This was a great speaker. I like that he shared his personal experience and the information about what day of the week is higher for DV calls or abuse.” — Kara
- “Awesome presentation that could go on much longer with so many different avenues to look at. The presenter’s passion for the topic was evident and thank you for your dedication. I can relate on so many personal levels that I appreciate his desire to get the topic looked at from “outside the box” of IPV. Thank you again!” — Jacqueline
- “I’ve always heard of the correlation between animal abuse and DV or child abuse, but this webinar made it very concrete and visible.” — Jody
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This webinar has been certified by the National Animal Care & Control Association and is approved for 1 Continuing Education Unit. Please refer to your NACA membership portal for current CEU submission process. Current NACA Members who attend the live presentation or watch the recording will be able to download a jointly issued attendance certificate that includes the National Animal Care & Control Association logo. Visit the NACA training page for a complete list of future trainings.
