As the nation continues to adjust to regulations and guidelines set forth to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, these conditions have caused an uptick in domestic violence in some areas.
Indianola has been fortunate in that local police have not been alerted to a spike of cases over the past few weeks.
“Frustrations from the pandemic, people not being able to work, concern about bills, kids not having graduation, things like that do add to domestic violence,” said Indianola Police Chief Edrick Hall. “It’s unfortunate.”
IPD has not seen an uptick in domestic violence since the city’s lockdown began on March 23. There were 13 domestic incidents reported by the Indianola Police Department during the months of March and April.
The number was higher January and February, when there were 19 domestic incidents reported.
This does not mean that domestic violence is not occurring, some who work with victims say. It simply means it is not being reported.
“It is more difficult for them to come out for help now,” said Patricia Davenport, CEO of Our House, an organization that deals with victims of domestic violence. “Simply because more and more of their resources and their ability to come out for help have been blocked.”
Our House serves psychological, spiritual and cultural needs of victims of sexual and domestic violence, Davenport said.
“Across the state, many of the shelters are pretty much full because of the threat of the disease”, said Davenport. “It’s hard to admit new people, but they do. We realize that their lives are in admitted danger. By being in admitted danger, you may be able to heal from the virus, but you may not be able to heal from someone who wants to attack you.”
There is also a 24/7 crisis hotline number 662-332-LOVE. Resources are also available at https://www.ourhousevoices.com/.
Our House offers different suggestions, codes and numbers for victims.
“Every victim is different and every solution is different,” Davenport said. “Sometimes people just want to talk, and we are here for that.”
No matter the service, Our House will continue to offer individual counseling, limited shelter care referral, and educational training to those who need it during the pandemic, Davenport said.
