Carol Jacobsen on Domestic Violence in the Pandemic

Carol Jacobsen, Stamps Professor and Director of the Michigan Women’s Clemency Project, was recently quoted in a Bridge article about the amplified impact of the coronavirus pandemic on victims of domestic violence. 

The article details ways that advocacy groups are advising people in times when close proximity to the abuser is unavoidable, including coordination with a friend or neighbor to set up a signal, like putting up a piece of paper in a certain window that means it’s time to get help. Additionally, shelters across Michigan are partnering with hotels to provide more housing for victims that may need to escape. The state Housing Development Authority recently set aside $500,000 for the network of shelters to spend on supplies, safety materials, and additional housing. 

Jacobsen was quoted in an exploration of reasons why domestic abuse police reports have not increased in some counties during the pandemic while contacts to the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence, a statewide association for domestic violence shelters and services, have jumped to 393 in March and the first half of April this year, up from 189 the same time last year. 

Victims are less likely to call police during a lockdown ​“because if they arrest the guy then he may be released and come back and beat them up worse,” said Carol Jacobsen, a University of Michigan professor who works with incarcerated domestic violence victims. 

Stay home, don’t stay safe. Domestic violence calls up amid Michigan lockdown | bridgemi​.com