Monarch Services, Sheriff’s Office See Uptick During Shelter in Place
By Jondi Gumz
Local nonprofit Monarch Services has seen a swift uptick in clients since the “shelter in place” order was issued March 16, requiring most Santa Cruz County residents to stay at home to slow the spread of coronavirus COVID-19.
“We have served an average of 15 new clients weekly,” said Delphine Burns, spokeswoman for Monarch Services, which has a 24-hour crisis line. “Recently we received around 30 calls on just one day.”
The staff at Monarch Services also encourages neighbors to report when they believe domestic violence happening in your neighborhood
“Essentially, if you see something, say something,” Associate Director Kalyne Foster-Renda said. “We want survivors and community members to feel comfortable coming forward about violence so that we can help support survivors looking to escape it.”
Monarch Services’ confidential bilingual crisis line at 1-888-900-4232 remains fully staffed despite the COVID-19 outbreak. Other services include restraining order assistance and emergency shelter. Services are free or low cost.
The spike is domestic violence has taken place worldwide during the covid-19 pandemic, according to an April 6 report in The New York Times.
In Europe, the Times found, governments imposed lockdowns without provisions for victims of domestic abuse. Ten days later, calls for help spike, prompting leaders to scramble to find solutions. Officials in France, for example, turned empty hotel rooms into shelter space.
Sociologist Marianne Hester, who studies abusive relationships, said the government’s policy of isolating people at home gives an abuser more power over their partner and fractures support networks of family and friends, making it more difficult to seek help or escape violence.
“We have not seen a huge spike (in domestic violence calls) since the shelter in place,” said Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Ashley Keehn.
There were 26 domestic violence incidents reported from March 17 to April 10; a year ago, there were 30 in that same period. However, Sheriff Jim Hart said there was a recent uptick in reports as of April 15.
On March 31, the Sheriff’s Office posted a 30-second video on its Facebook page with deputies acknowledging the stress of shelter in place and adding, “That’s no excuse for about domestic violence.” One deputy suggests that if you feel stress or anxiety taking over your emotions, take a walk outside.
The post lists three hotlines: Monarch Services, 1-888-900-4232, plus the National Domestic Violence Hotlines, 1-800-799-7233 and the Centers for Diseas Control distress help line, 1-800-985-5990.
The video has more than 6,000 views.
On April 13, Attorney General Xavier Becerra posted the latest guidance for protective orders:
- Domestic Violence Restraining Orders:
An emergency protective order can be requested by a law enforcement officer at any time of day or night. Emergency protective orders generally last for up to seven days but during the COVID-19 statewide emergency they last for up to 30 days.
The subject of the restraining order can be required to leave the home and stay away from the victim if requested in the order. While the emergency order is effective, you may apply for a longer-term restraining order.
During the COVID-19 statewide emergency, judges may issue temporary restraining orders that last up to 90 days. Judges may also issue permanent orders that last up to five years. You begin the process by submitting forms to a court.
- Gun Violence Restraining Orders:
An emergency gun violence restraining order can be requested by a law enforcement officer and generally lasts for up to 21 days.
During the COVID-19 statewide emergency, all gun violence orders issued or set to expire will be extended up to 90 days to allow the matter to be heard by the court. The subject of the restraining order is prohibited from possessing or buying a gun or ammunition and must give up any guns or ammunition they possess.
While the emergency order is effective, you or a law enforcement officer may request a hearing for a longer-term order. A judge may issue a gun violence restraining order that lasts up to a year. You begin the process by submitting forms to a court.
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Monarch Services encourages anyone experiencing violence to call 1-888-900-4232, the 24-hour, confidential, bilingual crisis line for support.