Has Remote Work Impacted Injunctions for Domestic Violence Cases?

As social distancing and Stay-At-Home Orders have been set in place all over the world to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, schools and non-essential business have been forced to close their doors, sending millions of students and working Americans home. For those who may live at home with an abuser, going to school and work everyday provides a short period of relief from the suffering they endure. 

Although it’s a frightening time for everyone, for those who may be stuck spending a large amount of time with an abuser, it can be an extremely dangerous situation. If you are someone that’s suffering from domestic abuse, you can feel somewhat secure knowing that the justice system can still support and provide you with the necessary resources and protection you need. 

Remote Working Has Led to a Rise in Domestic Violence 

For the past few months, domestic violence organizations and law enforcement have reported noticing an increase in cases of domestic violence, both verbal and physical. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, victims of domestic violence are put at high risk during the shutdowns. Since mid-March, the U.S. has received more than 2,000 calls from individuals citing COVID-19 as a condition of their abuse.

Some victims of abuse have outlined the conditions of which they face during this time. These include:  

• Abusers preventing essential employees from going to work to obtain a dominance of financial control
• Abusers stopping victims for taking preventative health measures to exert power
• Financial distress with the uncertainty of their jobs 
• Resources for victims are limited due to the Stay-At-Home orders 

In this time of doubt and insecurity, it is important to remember that there are ways to seek help. If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. 

Are the Courts Open to File Injunctions in Florida? 

As some courts are starting to open, others remain closed but are too working virtually to help people in emergency situations. Non Emergency hearings are either being rescheduled or held through web conferencing. 

Florida law considers domestic violence injunctions to be an emergency that requires an immediate legal proceeding. In Florida, domestic violence is any type of violence committed by a family or household member including:  

• Assault or Battery
• Aggravated assault or battery
• Sexual assault or battery
• Stalking 
• Kidnapping 

What to Do If You Live at Home With Your Abuser? 

Living with an abuser is challenging, especially if you don’t know where to look for help. If your abuser is someone who lives in your house, whether family or not, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself.

If you have a feeling that an abusive scenario is going to occur, try to limit all unnecessary interactions with this person. If an abusive act does occur, call 9-11 and make sure to record pictures and detailed descriptions of what happened. Some other things you can do if you reside with an abuser include:

• Making a safety plan and give it to someone you trust 
• Build an emergency kit that holds money, clothes, and phone numbers
• Seek online professional help 
• Call the National Hotline for Domestic Abuse at 1-800-799-7233

If your abuser is taking advantage of the coronavirus and isolating you, remember that you are not alone and there is support out there to help you. 

Call Orlando’s Trusted Injunction Attorneys for Assistance 

If you’re forced to be at work from home and be with your abusive for longer periods of time due to mandatory lockdowns, you may feel scared and worried about what’s going to happen. You can find reassurance that injunctions for domestic violence cases are still being heard and handled. If you need to file a domestic violence injunction, call Fighter Law. 

At Fighter Law, we remain open and will work diligently to fight for you in these difficult situations. If you or a loved one are facing domestic violence, speak with our trust injunction attorneys at Fighter Law to get the justice you need. To talk to one of our legal experts over a personal and confidential consultation, schedule an appointment by completing our contact form or call our office anytime at (407) FIGHTER (344-4837).

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