Authorities launch campaign for the community to help detect cases of violence against women, children or the elderly
Los Angeles authorities yesterday launched the “Behind close doors” campaign, seeking to identify any type of abuse of minors, adults, the elderly or animals during the pandemic.
Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer said in a virtual conference that now that many people must be confined due to the 'Stay at Home' order to avoid coronavirus infections, it is more difficult to know if negligence occurs or child abuse.
"I am very alarmed by what appears to be a dramatic decrease in the reporting of crimes related to our most vulnerable children," he said, since, he explained, this type of crime tends to increase in traumatic situations.
Statistics revealed that since the order to 'Stay at home' was approved, reports of physical abuse of children decreased by 47% and complaints of sexual abuse of minors by 67%.
“I am very concerned that this is not a consequence of less abuse. Rather, (it happens) and fewer reports occur, "added Feuer.
Advocates for children warned that during these emergencies it is important that everyone is alert as many children are far from the eyes and ears in the community at large, from teachers and friends to neighbors, doctors and others.
In addition, seniors – who are now being held in isolation – may face difficult situations as almost all family members are prohibited from visiting nursing homes and senior care facilities.
Feuer said there was a 15% reduction in reports of elder abuse in the same period.
"Likewise, people who are in abusive relationships, we know that staying at home means that victims of domestic violence are often trapped in those places," he said. "They are separated from friends and neighbors and colleagues."
He added that in this group there was a 13% reduction in reports of domestic violence.
Regarding animals, Feuer said a 75% decline was reported in reports of abuse of this type.
"Police are especially concerned with protecting people who live, work, and visit Los Angeles County from domestic violence, child abuse, and elder abuse," said Attorney Lacey.
"It is up to all of us to make sure that our family, friends, neighbors and colleagues get through this public health emergency without being victims of crime."
For this reason, prosecutors asked for the support of neighbors, delivery people, plumbers, electricians, repairers, gardeners, among others, to be alert. And if they see something that doesn't seem right, report it.
Mary Ellen Mitchell, Executive Director, Long Beach Women's Shelter, have seen a slight increase in the number of crisis calls to her hotline.
"This also has us concerned, since logic and history tell us that domestic violence will increase during periods of isolation similar to what happens now," he said.
"Our supportive housing facilities are open and continue to receive victims and their families following strict protocols."
Share information
Feuer explained that he has joined his campaign to join the California and Los Angeles Grocery Association to run ads with resources for everyone to see.
"Grocery stores are an important place because those are one of the few places where people who are caught in abusive relationships could get there," Feuer said.
They have also partnered with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) to post notices during their food distribution.
"The message for anyone who is experiencing an abusive relationship is that there are services and places that they can go," he said. "And if you can't make that call for help, you can text 911."
Lacey said that during the pandemic, her office does not provide services to victims in person, but does so by phone and computer.
"In addition to prosecuting criminals, we help victims obtain protective orders and provide resources and referrals for food, shelter and counseling," he explained.
More than 28,000 crime victims received help from Lacey's office in the past fiscal year.
"My office provides services to crime victims, even when no criminal charges are filed," Lacey said. "And these services are free and available to all residents of Los Angeles County, US citizenship is not required."
More guns in homes
Prosecutor Feuer revealed that a significant increase in the acquisition of firearms has been reported nationwide since the pandemic began.
In March, 2 million weapons were purchased in the US, the second highest total in a month, in history. Additionally, the FBI reported 3.7 million background checks that month, making it the highest number in over 20 years.
"Here in California 164,000 background checks were done during that period, that's a 72% increase and these weapons are ending up in people's homes," Feuer said.
For this reason, he asked that those who have firearms in their homes store them safely, to prevent them from ending up in the hands of children, adolescents or adults with mental problems. l
Important numbers:
If you or someone you know experiences domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-SAFE (7233) or in Los Angeles County at (800) 978-3600.
Los Angeles County Elder Abuse Hotline 1-877-4-R-SENIORS (1-877-477-3646).
Suicide prevention: English: 877-727-4747; Spanish: 877-628-9455
To report animal abuse in Los Angeles: 213-486-0450 available 24 hours a day.
