The coronavirus pandemic has had an unprecedented and severe effect on the lives of many people, not just in Las Vegas, but all across the world at large. For several weeks people were forced to go out less or extensively stay at home in a bid to minimize the spread of this deadly virus. Businesses and public services were seriously disrupted as work hours were staggered or only essential people were called in for work. People had to fumble around with online communications just to get work or school done.
While the country is still dealing with the repercussions of this major medical event, there were other issues that brewed up during the period, and have just come to light. For instance, during the height of the lockdown period, there was a reported increase in domestic violence cases across various parts of the world, and in Las Vegas in particular. It is a serious development that can be of interest to domestic violence defense attorneys who are studying the repercussions of the virus lockdown on the field of criminal defense as a whole.
The Global Picture
One of the primary responses across the world to prevent the spread of the coronavirus is to advise their citizens to stay home. While it has contributed to slowing down the proliferation of the virus, it has led to negative repercussions across the board, like economic slowdowns, mental health issues, and socio-political disruption. Unfortunately, the stresses of being stuck at home for an extended period, as well as a reduction of work options, has led to friction between family members and eventually, more alleged instances of domestic violence.
National governments and non-profit groups reported a significant increase in domestic violence-related calls over the past two months. Many reported stress-induced incidents where their spouses or parents physically abused them as a means of channeling their frustrations caused by the lockdown. Other frequently-reported cases involve abusive and mentally dangerous individuals using the lockdown to detain victims against their will, using the lockdown as a valid excuse while their paranoia gets the best of them. The situation has reached such levels that even the UN Secretary-General appealed for these people to cease their actions as it was compounding an already-difficult situation.
The Situation at Home
The United States has not been spared this situation, with many states reporting increases in physical and sexual abuse in households affected by the pandemic. These reports range from verbal or physical threats for people trying to get out to purchase supplies on authorized times, to even attempted homicide with household implements and unregistered firearms. While there are locations that reported a decrease in domestic violence reports, law enforcement in said areas suspect that the pandemic has led to underreporting from possible victims.
In Las Vegas, the first phase of the city’s post-lockdown re-opening saw a substantial increase in domestic violence reports, with many of the incidents covering the lockdown period. Police and local volunteers expect the calls for help to increase further as time goes on. They are also looking into an increase of domestic abuse-related homicides in the city due to further repercussions brought about by the virus.
A Case Study for Defense Lawyers
Extended periods of confinement combined with reduced opportunities to grow financially have led to friction with family members during this lockdown period. While previous studies note that extended periods of family members staying together (such as during holidays or vacations) can lead to increased chances of domestic abuse, the virus lockdown offers a new perspective on situations that merit such accusations.
Defense attorneys will look to these incidents with a keener eye. They will have to determine if the effects of the pandemic can be a valid defense against a future domestic violence conviction. Related circumstances to such incidents--like the delayed request for help, available witnesses and evidence, and the motivations for both parties as colored by the lockdown--have a role to play in future cases that defense lawyers in Las Vegas and beyond will handle.
The coronavirus lockdown may have had a negative on people’s lives and may have led to an increase in certain crimes, but it has provided insight into new avenues that legal experts can learn from. This is invaluable knowledge moving forward, preparing defense attorneys for handling cases during and after major disasters.