Dr. Patterson speaks out on the rise of domestic violence and child abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Tuesday, April 14, 2020, I was a guest of radio host Dr. Robert Ashely of KHVN to offer advice on the rise of domestic violence and child abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a sad reality that due to shelter in place and quarantine that abuse is skyrocketing around the globe.
COVID-19 is providing abusive persons with proximity and access to their victims like never before. Usually a spouse could go to work and avoid his or her abusive partner. Children could seek shelter from violent parents in classrooms. Now they are all together under one roof all day and all night. The COVID-19 pandemic makes most us of feel helpless and powerless. Experts tell us that an abusive person does not handle the feelings of helplessness and powerlessness well. They have an increased need to control and dominate.
The pervasive nature of COVID-19 causes many of us to feel agitated, angry, and even threatened.
If you are feeling powerless and helpless remember that the Lord is our helper. Psalm 68:6 tells us that “God is our refugee and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
If you are experiencing feelings of rage due to confinement, please step outside and away from the people in your home.
If you are feeling lost, I urge you to find yourself by starting a new hobby or catching up on reading a few books.
Limit your intake of negative, fear-producing news broadcasts. Focus your energy on positive people and positive things.
Dr. Sheron C. Patterson