Domestic Violence Cases Rise During Stay at Home Orders

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Many police departments are reporting a rise in domestic violence cases during the COVID 19 stay at home orders.

Domestic violence incidents rise amid COVID-19 stay-at-home orders

PHILADELPHIA – Montgomery County officials say calls for domestic violence are up due to the coronavirus pandemic forcing people inside their homes indefinitely.

The DA’s Office examined calls from January to April of 2019. They compared them to calls so far in 2020. The results reportedly showed an 8 to 9 percent increase in domestic disputes.

“That disturbing message needs to be shared along with the fact that police are still responding and there is still help available to victims, with agencies in Montgomery County still working to help domestic violence victims, as well as victims of other crimes,” the District Attorney’s Office said.

The problem with Domestic Violence cases in COVID times

When there are more arrests, there are also more false arrests. What makes things worse is that due to COVID, the police have to rush to a judgment. Many times, the police don’t show up once the verbal or physical argument is over. They ask the alleged victim to email a statement or text them pictures. Many officers are operating under the cloud of “make the arrest and let the court figure it out.”

Just because you are bigger, or a man, or because someone else made the complaint, doesn’t mean you are automatically guilty. There are layers and details to this and sometimes the cops do not really care about your side of the story.

What happens to the accused these days?

During this time, these cases are even more damaging. Courts are quick to issue PFA orders which could force you out of your home and leave you on the streets. During the current pandemic, that could leave you exposed and unsafe. The police or Sheriff’s Office may tell your job (even if you work from home or remotely). If fired, you may find it very difficult to find meaningful work with an assault conviction.

At The McShane Firm we understand self-defense cases. While the police might be trying to label you as “violent” and this incident as assault, we will fight to tell your side of the story- we will fight for the truth.

Call us today at (717) 657-3900. Your attorney is here to help, not to judge.

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PA DUI attorney Justin J. McShane is the President/CEO of The McShane Firm, LLC - Pennsylvania's top criminal law and DUI law firm. He is the highest rated DUI attorney in PA as rated by Avvo.com. Justin McShane is a double Board certified attorney. He is the first and so far the only Pennsylvania attorney to achieve American Bar Association recognized board certification in DUI defense from the National College for DUI Defense, Inc. He is also a Board Certified Criminal Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, a Pennsylvania Supreme Court Approved Agency.