As stay-at-home orders went in place across the country, many individuals became trapped at home with abusers, isolated, and unable to seek help. Throughout this time, there has been a rise in domestic violence. Safety plans have had to change, reaching out is harder, and accessing services is hindered by increased barriers. Some hotlines have been more frequent and some more silent. Hotlines have reported shorter, more frantic calls, often with calls reporting more violent abuse.

Globally, significant increases in domestic violence cases among marginalized populations are being reported. Overall, there has been a dramatic increase in the need for services and assistance, including shelter, food, and basic necessities.

Disclaimer: If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), visiting www.thehotline.org or texting LOVEIS to 22522.

COVID-19 has increased the vulnerabilities that traffickers look to exploit such as hunger, unemployment, lack of healthcare, social marginalization and more. Social distancing has only driven traffickers to create new tactics and methods.  Labor trafficking is likely to increase due to individuals taking jobs that don’t offer worker protections, pay little, or are otherwise exploitive.  Commercial sexual exploitation is increasing online already, perpetrated both by those close to the victim, and those who target vulnerable individuals for the first time. Service providers have seen an increase in referrals, and targeted operations by law enforcement continue to take place.