Coronavirus disease 2019, otherwise known as COVID-19, has resulted in a number of adverse conditions across the United States, including a sizable increase in domestic violence cases. In this brief article, a domestic violence defense lawyer in Tampa with The Rickman Law Firm will discuss the psychology behind why COVID-19 has resulted in increased allegations of domestic violence as well as divorce rates, and what you can do to protect yourself from false allegations.
Related: Accused of Domestic Violence? Consider the Role of the Prosecution
COVID-19 isn’t the first instance of high stress and uncertainty resulting in higher rates of domestic violence and child abuse. Similar patterns emerged following other disasters, such as with Hurricane Harvey. The explanation for this trend is rooted in a psychological cycle of tension and control in which people attempt to cope with unfavorable circumstances through violence.
Violence, both verbal and physical, can be fostered by increased levels of stress due to a number of factors outside of our control, such as being laid off from work, disconnected from friends and social support systems, suffering from strained financial resources, and unable to leave your residence for an extended period of time. If someone you live with has been severely affected by COVID-19, you may also experience feelings of grief, anxiety, or depression, all of which contribute to the risk for increased instability in your relationship and household. The difficulties of parenting are also greatly heightened by economic uncertainty and the indefinite closure of schools and daycare centers.
Related: False Domestic Violence Accusations: What to Do When You’re the Real Victim
According to Bloomberg Businessweek, various cities in China, such as Xian and Dazhou, reported record-high statistics of divorce filings following weeks of government-mandated lockdowns and quarantines. Similar trends are expected to emerge for couples in the United States after weeks of isolation in close quarters. False allegations of domestic violence already occur at high frequencies in divorce proceedings and are even more likely to occur when couples, such as those emerging from quarantine, are under exacerbated financial stress.
If you have been wrongfully accused of domestic violence, your partner will most likely attempt to spin the story against you in any way possible, including fabricating incidents of violence in order to strengthen their case for marital assets or custody of children. Such allegations may also result in restraining orders, no mediation for family law disputes, and exclusive use of a home. The best method of protection against allegations of domestic violence is to hire a domestic violence defense attorney in Tampa geared with the expertise on how to best present your evidence in court and expose factual inconsistencies in the proposed allegations. Don’t let yourself fall victim to false allegations of domestic violence. To ensure the protection of your rights in these strenuous times, contact us today.
For a free consultation with a domestic violence defense attorney in Tampa, please contact The Rickman Law Firm today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.