Written by Bo Yun V. Brainerd
With the increasing severity of Coronavirus restrictions, an economic crisis and catapulting unemployment rates have devastated the U.S and even more surprisingly, Branford.
However, in the face of rising unemployment and home quarantine, another Public Health crisis has arisen – a domestic abuse epidemic.
As of last week, the U.S has officially exceeded 16 million unemployed workers as the pandemic continues to shut down businesses. By contrast, three weeks ago, 200,000 people applied for unemployment benefits. Even hopeful epidemiologists expect millions of more job losses as a response to the pandemic. Branford has seen a historic drop in jobs and businesses than ever before and many will never reopen.
Connecticut alone has over 350,000 unemployment claims since March 13, while Branford accounts for over 1,000 of these, according to the most recent figures from the state.
Economists believe the unemployment rate could hit 10 percent before the summer starts, which would mark the highest level since the recession in 2008. Congressional and legislative attempts at relief are solely intended to “pause” the economy, helping idled workers bounce back quickly when summer approaches. But, if such an epidemic doesn’t subside, layoffs and financial troubles will inevitably endure.
As more and more residents test positive for COVID-19, each Municipal and State government is quick to respond. Governor Ned Lamont declared Thursday that all public schools must remain closed until May 20 at the earliest. Schools are still required to continue their online schooling and nevertheless, Branford Public Schools will continue utilizing its Flex Learning model.
With the mounting movement restrictions and increasing anxieties about finances, education and health, domestic abuse is flourishing like an opportunistic poison. With families stuck in quarantine together, hotlines and 911 calls are erupting with abuse reports. Experts warned the U.S Government of such a crisis and have continuously called for action. The United Nations met April 5 to combat the global surge in domestic violence, replaced with the term “intimate terrorism.”
Secretary General Antònio Guterrs announced to his Twitter followers, “I urge all governments to put women’s safety first as they respond to the pandemic”. However, it’s not just women – it’s children too.
Child abuse occurrences are inevitable when household dysfunction, mental disorders and parental substance misuse surface. Pediatricians reported throughout the 2008 recession a spike in infant injuries and deaths caused by head trauma, a pattern that remained until the economy fully recovered. This epidemic has brought forth additional challenges in regards to protecting our community’s children and has made it even more difficult to ensure cases are reported.
Usually teachers, peers and guidance counselors are able to detect indications of domestic abuse and serve as lifelines for endangered children. No longer can a teacher witness hidden bruises or slap marks, or a guidance counselor meet with a teenager exhibiting signs of depression, only to learn a family member is sexually harassing her. This period of social distancing will cause cases to go undetected and the current reality for many is that there is no escape.
There is also a lack of opportunity to find protected shelter outside of the house when parks are closed, places of worship are struggling to remain open, and restaurants are shut down.
Finding safer living quarters when money just isn’t available puts vulnerable victims at risk and halts them from escaping their abusers. It’s not just physical abuse, it’s mental illness too, which is at its peak during quarantine. When children are exposed to toxic behaviors, it leads to anxiety, depression and at times, suicide.
It is easy to forget the detrimental consequences of self-isolation when all people seem to show is their new online start-up or their completed daily workout. But, people are in actual need. Organizations are laying off workers, which entails no one being able to answer the phone, social workers aren’t seeing their patients as often and individuals cannot pay their therapy bills. How as a community do we move forward?
Mental health experts say that talking and raising awareness about such issues needs to occur more often.
“Abuse victims and students who are suffering need to know they are not alone and that there is help,” said Melissa Simone, a social worker at Branford High School. “My hope for all victims of abuse is for them to remember that it is not their fault. They can also reach any of the BHS Support Staff by email while on quarantine, and we will contact you as soon as possible to assist.”
“If a community member suspects that a child/teen is being abused or neglected,” Simone said. “They should make a call to the Department of Children and Families (DCF) care line (1-800-842-2888).”
However, we need to take a step further. Community leaders, faith-based organizers and most importantly, elected officials should be working alongside mental health resources, counselors and clinicians to provide virtual meetings with regular patients. Doctors should virtually distribute diagnosis tip sheets for detecting domestic abuse through social media or websites as well as work with recovery groups to share active helpline numbers.
In addition to providing support for victims of domestic abuse, the town of Branford is also trying to help residents struggling to pay grocery bills. Individuals who are unable to work during such time, might be eligible to receive a food gift card from the Branford Counseling Center. In addition, restaurants are able to donate extra food to the Community Dining Room, helping feed hundreds of people per week.
There are other efforts in the community as well. Many local high school students are offering free online tutoring sessions for those in need. People are finally taking proper health precautions by wearing masks and gloves. Grocery stores are placing limits to ensure the elderly are being fed and food stamp families can access food too.
Branford has risen to the occasion. Our people will continue to power through and our community will continue to stay strong.
Thank you for bringing light to these issues. I agree that the more people feel that they are not alone – that there are others suffering too – they may reach out for help. More discussion about intimate terrorism may help remove the secrecy.