Despite Zero Evidence of a ‘Spike’ in Domestic Violence, Activists Continue to Play on Women’s Fears and Demand More Funding

PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Rebecca Stewart

Telephone: 513-479-3335

Despite Zero Evidence of a ‘Spike’ in Domestic Violence, Activists Continue to Play on Women’s Fears and Demand More Funding

WASHINGTON / October 15, 2020 – Abuse activists have issued a series of dire warnings since March of a dangerous increase in domestic violence incidents and marital break-ups. But a recent national survey found no evidence of a “surge” in domestic violence levels. Titled “Family Life During a Pandemic,” the survey queried 3,000 persons about a broad range of coronavirus-related concerns. Survey respondents did not identify any concerns or problems related to domestic violence or partner abuse.

Defying predictions, the Family Life survey did not identify any changes in persons’ likelihood to divorce (1). Indeed, the survey found that coping with the COVID threat has actually strengthened family relationships. When asked whether the coronavirus pandemic “Has made me appreciate my partner more,” 56% of persons agreed, and only 10% disagreed. Likewise, 47% of persons agreed that the coronavirus, “Has deepened my commitment to my relationship,” while only 9% disagreed with the statement (2).

The survey was fielded between July 3-14 as COVID stay-at-home policies were being relaxed across the nation.

In contrast to the survey’s findings, the National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence issued an Alert on March 23 warning that “Survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault are facing extreme danger and risk.” The Alert did not provide hard evidence to support the warning (3).

Earlier this week, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence issued a darkly worded statement claiming that, “Desperately-needed relief is necessary to provide critical services to domestic violence victims and survivors, services that will ensure safety and support as they work to leave the violence they are experiencing.” The NCADV statement did not provide any evidence to support the allegation of COVID-related “violence they are experiencing (4).

Over the last six months, the Coalition to End Domestic Violence has analyzed numerous claims of an imminent “spike” or “spurt” in domestic violence cases, but found no evidence of the predicted increase. These claims are riddled by numerous flaws:

Fabricated Numbers: On April 5, the New Mexico Political Report made this claim: “Last week, domestic violence incidents in Bernalillo County reportedly jumped 78 percent.” (5). But when contacted for confirmation, County Undersheriff Larry Koren was unable to confirm anything resembling these numbers.

Easily Disprovable Claims: On June 4, Sen. Joni Ernst issued a letter that made a number false claims such as, “Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness for women and children.” But according to a U.S. Conference of Mayors survey, the top causes of homelessness are: lack of affordable housing, unemployment, poverty, and low wages. The survey does not mention domestic violence as a “leading cause” of homelessness. In addition, 63% of homeless persons are male and 37% female, a key fact that was missing from the Ernst letter (6).

Junk Science: An analysis of abuse-related injuries at a Boston hospital claimed injuries during the COVID period were 1.8 times higher than in previous years. But the study was riddled with numerous flaws, including nonequivalent comparison groups, rendering the conclusions invalid (7).

Indeed, reports from 33 police departments around the country have found steady numbers of domestic violence calls in 19 departments, small increases in three departments, and decreases in 11 jurisdictions (8).

On October 1, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the updated Heroes Act designed to support the national coronavirus recovery effort (9). Despite the absence of any relationship between COVID and domestic violence, the bill provides supplemental funding for a variety of domestic violence programs, including:

$100 million for the Sexual Assault Services Program
$25 million for Culturally Specific Services
$25 million for outreach and services to underserved populations
$50 million for Tribal programs

Commentator Corrine Barraclough has noted, “The myth that domestic violence is surging in lockdown will become one of the biggest lies the gendered narrative leans on for additional funding.” (10)

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