Coronavirus: Law enforcement, support groups watching for domestic violence warning signs

MONTGOMERY COUNTY — In the days that followed the establishment of the state's stay-at-home order, experts with social support organizations feared domestic violence could increase because victims might feel as though home is no longer a safe place.

Weeks later, police and domestic violence counselors said there have been fewer calls for incidents, but they are staying alert for warning signs.

"If you need to flee here, our doors are always open," Shannon Isom, YWCA of Dayton president and CEO, told News Center 7's Ronnell Hunt on Tuesday night.

Since the stay-at-home order was announced on March 23, to April 14, Montgomery County Sheriff's deputies have responded to 18 domestic violence calls. There were 28 calls this same time in 2019, meaning there has been an 37% drop in calls for the sheriff's office, whose jurisdiction includes Jefferson, Harrison and Washington townships.

Dayton police are being dispatched to fewer calls as well.

"There are many factors involved in a victim's decision to contact help, including emotional and financial concerns that can act as barriers to seeking help," Dayton Lt. Jason Hall, commander of the violent crimes unit, told Hunt.

"The Dayton Police Department will continue to monitor the data trends related to domestic and intimate partner violence and we remain committed to helping victims and survivors of this crime."

But Jane Keiffer, executive director, Artemis Center, said she believes the pandemic adds to the problem of domestic and intimate partner violence.

She said she believes there will be a spike in incidents once the stay-at-home order is lifted because then, people will feel more comfortable leaving home.

Keiffer and Isom said victims and potential victims should never feel they are alone.

Both appeal to the public to reach out in support. If you know someone who is a victim, call the YWCA of Dayton (937-222-SAFE), Artemis (937-461-HELP), the county’s 24-hour domestic violence hotline (937-222-9481) or the county prosecutor’s 24-hour crisis line (927-225-5623).

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