Expected increase in domestic violence as result of Covid-19 social isolation

PRINCE GEORGE – When significant crises occur, Sexual Assault Centres face an unfortunate but significant reality as the percentage of domestic assault and violence rises substantially.

Lynnell Halikowski, Executive Director of the Sexual Assault Centre in Prince George says with those most vulnerable potentially feeling even more isolated due to the Covid-19 pandemic, she’s expecting an alarming rise in cases of violence.

“The numbers would similar throughout most situations, whether it’s hurricanes or climate crises, or a pandemic. I’m concerned those numbers through the Covid-19 pandemic would increase,” said Halikowski. “During the California Earthquake, the numbers were 300 per cent increase for sexual violence and a 600 per cent increase for domestic violence.”

She explains as alarming as those statistics are, she’s hesitant to even mention them at times because of people’s tendency to think they couldn’t possibly be that severe. However, she says they are very possible as they have seen similar circumstances arise as a result of the wildfires.