Peoria County has seen an increase in domestic abuse charges amid the COIVD-19 pandemic. | Unsplash
Peoria County has seen an increase in domestic abuse charges amid the COIVD-19 pandemic. | Unsplash
Approximately 70% of Peoria County jail's population is booked due to a domestic battery or abuse preliminary charges, police told Central Illinois Proud.
As the COVID-19 pandemic has led families to spend at-home time together, abuse charges have been rising in the county, the Central Illinois Proud reported on May 26. Experts told Central Illinois Proud the emotional toll of the pandemic is partially to blame.
“Everyone is hurting right now,” Peoria County Sheriff Brian Asbell told Central Illinois Proud.
While many people are hurting, some are releasing their frustration in violent ways.
“Unfortunately, the release is against the person they love the most and it’s in their own household,” Asbell told Central Illinois Proud.
There has been a 20%-60% increase in domestic abuse compared to the same time last year, but Asbell said the jail is limiting the types of arrests made due to the coronavirus, Central Illinois Proud reported.
“There’s many of our days where 100% of our bookings are domestic violence-related,” Asbell told the news agency.
Domestic battery can vary and can include anyone that lives in the same household, the Central Illinois Proud reported. Asbell has also seen cases of children abusing parents.
The Center for Prevention of Abuse is seeing a 75% capacity at its shelter, which many occupants not comfortable reporting their abuse, Carol Merna, CEO of the center, told Central Illinois Proud.
“Abuse is about control,” Merna told the news agency. “Being isolated and being quarantined with the person that is abusing you is very difficult, it would make it very difficult to find the space to seek help.”
The Center for Prevention of Abuse gives shelter to anyone afraid of going home due to abuse and also offers counseling.
“We’re going to help them safety plan,” Merna told Central Illinois Proud. “We’re going to help them discover if they’re at home and can’t leave what’s the safest room in your house. What are some strategies you can put in place to help keep you and your children safe.”
But as Illinois begins to reopen, Merna told the news agency she hopes individuals will begin reporting abuse.
“The message we have for people who are being abused is we believe you and we’re here for you,” Merna told Central Illinois Proud.
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