SARASOTA- Three women shot and killed on the Suncoast in the less than a week. The relationships between the suspects and victims withheld to protect their identity, but these crimes point to a disturbing trend during the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase in domestic violence.
“At SPARCC we’re incredibly concerned with what we’re seeing in the news locally,” Jessica Hays said. “And nationwide, statewide, with numerous homicides happening, and I think the biggest message is we want people to know SPARCC is here, we’re open 24 hours a day.”
At the start of COVID lockdowns, Domestic Violence Advocates reported a drop in victim’s seeking help and the effects of that are continuing.
“We’re seeing an increase in our numbers for our hotline,” Hays said. “But we are still in a decline from where we might be in a normal time during a typical year, from what we’d be seeing with in-person services.”
And it’s not just physical abuse SPARCC is concerned about.
“It can be psychological, financial abuse,” Hays said. “We have counseling services available, so domestic violence looks different in every situation.”
At a time when people are physically and emotionally isolated, it’s important to continue to check in with your loved ones and make sure they’re ok.
“Checking in on people is great,” Hays said. “Because people used to reach out for help in a lot of different ways, and they had a lot more opportunity to because they were out and about and right now people are not out and with their support systems as much.”
Hays wants people to know that they are not alone.
“Domestic violence is incredibly common and if that’s something your experiencing, you’re not alone, it’s not your fault, and there are resources and support available.”
If you do need help you can reach out to SPARCC’s free and confidential hotline 941-365-1976.