PHOENIX – The spike in domestic violence incidents is a concern for advocates who are reminding people that while there are mandates in place during this pandemic, shelters for help are still open.
“Depends on who is counting … either way, you are seeing an increase over time, but not a spike like this,” said Jenna Panas, CEO of the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence.
A spike in domestic violence calls has advocates pointing the finger at COVID-19.
Statewide, there is a 16% increase in domestic violence calls from last year, according to Panas.
“Isolation helps … that is a frequent tactic used by individuals to control a partner … to keep them away from family, friends, coworkers and family … and COVID really helps that by naturally creating a situation and kept away,” Panas said.