Domestic violence in Tippecanoe County becoming more frequent and severe during pandemic

As news 18 previously reported, officials suspected that domestic violence would increase alongside the pandemic.

And the numbers show that their suspicions are more like reality.

A rise in domestic violence in tippecanoe county.

And one organization says it's seeing more severe cases than usual.

News 18's joe paul has been digging into the numbers.

He joins us to tell us how they compare to nationwide statistics.

The national domestic violence hotline saw a nine percent increase in calls from march to may.

But the local ywca's hotline is even busier.

As news 18 previously reported, officials suspected that domestic violence would increase alongside the pandemic.

And the numbers show that their suspicions are more like reality.

<"we're definitely seeing some really frightening levels of violence that have happened."

Domestic violence is on the rise in tippecanoe county during the pandemic.

Leah giorgini leads the ywca's domestic violence intervention program.

"since march, we've seen a 25 percent increase in the numbers of people calling our crisis line.

We are now, on average, talking to about 661 clients per month."

But giorgini says it's not just the number of calls that's increasing, but also the level of severity.

"we're seeing a lot more severe levels of injury happen to people.

It could be people coming into our shelter with severe broken bones or other types of injuries."

The prosecutor's office has filed 14 percent more domestic violence cases from april through september compared to last year.

Lafayette police department has responded to nearly nine percent more domestic violence calls during a similar time frame.

"i think financial is probably, obviously, a big one.

People want to know, is their rent going to be paid, is their mortgage going to be paid, is food going to be on the table?

That can definitely cause stressors."

Sgt.

Ian o'shields says many earlier cases involved siblings or roommates.

But are now more often between intimate partners.

And he says even more cases might go unreported.

"think about it: if people aren't working, no one's going to school, there's less outside contact with folks in the home."

Giorgini says many survivors are in fear of leaving their homes due to covid-19.

As a result, the y has been focusing on clearing the shelter in favor of permanent housing.

"so people can be safe at home, safe from the virus and safe from violence."

October is domestic violence awareness month.

You can find out how to donate and get involved on our website, wlfi.com.

Jeff and sam, back to you.

Today is the last day hoosiers can register to vote.