Lethality rates in domestic violence cases rise

With stress levels rising across the United States, domestic and sexual violence has not only increased in number but in lethality rates.

Chauntelle Lieske, executive director of Safe Passage in Coeur d’Alene, said their trained staff have seen an alarming growth in severe harm done to survivors. From the heightened state of instability and fear, driven by COVID-19 and its social, economic, and political repercussions, Lieske says Safe Passage has seen an escalation in crisis calls.

“We have definitely seen an increase in the number of people reaching out to us for services,” Lieske said. “More alarming is the high lethality factor in cases such as a lot of threats to kill victims or threats of weapon use.”

Lieske said that working from home, losing employment, housing, financial concerns, and social isolation have significantly influenced the high lethality rate. Safe Passage is a local non-profit that provides free and confidential services like safe shelter, counseling and court advocacy for adult and child survivors of sexual and domestic violence.

While Safe Passage has adopted more precautionary measures because of COVID-19, Lieske said the organization has not stopped providing resources for violence survivors' needs.

“All of our services are still available. Sometimes it looks a little different, but we are determined to make it happen for our cases,” Lieske said.

Lieske encouraged those who are or know someone who is experiencing domestic or sexual violence to use Safe Passage’s 24-hour service through call 208-664-9303 or text 208-449-7728. People can also walk into their Fourth Street office, which is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Info: https://www.safepassageid.org