Child abuse and domestic violence expected to rise amid coronavirus lockdown

YUMA, Ariz. ( KYMA, KECY ) - Lockdowns around the world during the health crisis bring an expected increase in domestic violence and child abuse.

‘When you’re already in a home where abuse occurs, finance is gone, children are not in school, the abuse is going to go up," said Estrella Fitch, The Director of the Healing Journey.

Director of the Healing Journey in Yuma, Estrella Fitch, said she is in fear of the women and children who cannot escape their household during the pandemic.

Nationally the statistics show a 50 percent decrease in reported cases of domestic violence. That's according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

Fitch said more than 80 percent of the families the department helps is at or below the poverty level, meaning several individuals cannot afford cellphone or tablets. A much-needed source for the department to continue to stay in contact with families.

“They are not able to make that phone call because they live with the perpetrator," said Fitch.

If you like to help donate to the Healing Journey or are in need of help visit their website for the information.