Police not seeing rise in domestic violence

WEST CHESTER » While there has been an “uptick” in the number of domestic violence calls to the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County, according to the center’s CEO Dolly Wideman-Scott, some police departments report no increase or even a decrease.

“The whole world is having a lot of stress and anxiety,” Wideman-Scott said, during a phone interview. “Some are still making positive decisions for things to do at home, while others struggle.”

Cpl. Christopher Gravina, of the Kennett Square Police Department, said that the call volume is down for everything, including domestic violence situations, in the one square mile borough.

“You would think it would lead to more, but statistically we’re not

seeing that,” Gravina said about domestic violence and coronavirus.

Felicia Delligatti, a police officer with the City of Coatesville Police Department, said that domestic calls were “up a little bit” due to everyone being under quarantine.

Lt. Dave Leahy is in charge of the patrol division of the Westtown East Goshen Police Department and said that domestic violence incidents are “up.”

‘Actually lucky’

Between March 12 and March 26, he said that all of 10 calls concerned verbal arguments between family members.

“We’re actually lucky in that respect,” Leahy said about the lack of domestic injuries.

The officer said that the department responded to five or six domestic violence calls that in some shape or form had something to do with coronavirus.

He also said that alcohol is often involved, with some residents drinking “a little bit more” than usual.

Leahy said that the department utilizes Lethality Assessment screening which is a list of questions to determine if a situation could turn lethal. Several departments in the county use the assessment to refer families to the domestic violence center.

Lt. Greenwalt, of the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department, said there has “not been an increase or decrease” in the number of calls.

The force answered five domestic calls last year and five calls this year during the time of the coronavirus crisis, with one arrest for each of this year and last year.

“People are finding themselves needing each other, especially in households, like after 911 when the country came together,” Greenwalt said.

Dr. Bethany Van Brown is an assistant professor at Cabrini University in the Sociology and Criminology departments.

“After disasters like 9/11, Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Sandy, for example, research has shown us that domestic abuse increased in both frequency and intensity,” she said. “Amplified stress at home in turn creates a greater risk for domestic violence.

“The COVID-19 disaster is particularly challenging because millions of people worldwide are having to shelter in place, and some of the most vulnerable are those who are confined in quarantine at home with their abusers. Abusers have more contact with their families right now and, as support systems continue to break down, victims are less likely or less able to seek help.”

‘Not seen a spike’

Jim Morehead is Acting Chief of the West Chester Borough Police Department and said that borough police have “not seen a spike” in domestic violence calls.

“You would think it would be up with everyone trapped inside,” the chief said.

Calls are down overall in the borough by 8 percent.

“Everybody seems to be getting along with no increase in anything,” he said.

Greenwalt talked about what families can do when frustrated.

“All we can do is ask that we try to understand a little bit about each other, not turn it into an argument and try to be there as a family,” Greenwalt said.

Leahy said to cool off in separate rooms or go for a walk for some fresh air, while social distancing.

“Everybody has to get through it together,” he said. “Use common sense.”

Delligatti said to temporarily take a break from the media.

“Take family time outside and stop worrying about what the news is saying for an hour,” she said.

Wideman-Scott noted that the courts are still open to issue protection from abuse orders.

“Healthy relationships are about equality and respect and about making decisions together as a family,” Wideman-Scott said. “As a family, what are you going to do every single day to be healthy?”

Wideman-Scott said that the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County’s hotline is available at 888-711-6270, 24 hours a day/7 days a week. You can also go to www. dvcccpa.org.