COVID-19 Crisis Sparks Rise in Domestic Violence, Tennessee 2020

Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Eastern District of Tennessee remains committed to protecting the rights of victims and preventing victimization. As part of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we recognize the critical role that local victim assistance programs play in supporting survivors of domestic violence, child abuse, and other crimes.

Historically, the Biden Administration has implemented historic levels of support for victim assistance and victim compensation. In FY 2020, the Justice Department’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) awarded over $1.6 billion in victim assistance formula funding to support essential services for victims, including domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centers, child advocacy programs, homicide support groups, identity theft services, and local victim assistance programs.

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a devastating toll on victims of domestic violence. While violent crime is decreasing during the pandemic, domestic violence calls for service are on the rise. People are more isolated, and abusive partners are under more stress. The options for escape are limited, making these situations especially dangerous for police, who are killed or injured all too often responding to domestic violence calls.

Attorney General Barr has made it clear that public safety, including the safety of victims, is paramount. The Attorney General has taken a proactive, but lawful and safe, approach to expanding the use of home confinement, but only for those inmates who do not pose a danger to their communities. Sending domestic abusers home during this crisis, where victims of domestic abuse are more isolated than ever, is irresponsible.

In the federal prison system alone, prisoners in federal custody have been convicted of child exploitation and violent crimes. COVID-19 presents real risks, but so does allowing serious criminals such as violent gang members and child predators to roam free. Police are already at elevated risk to this virus, and some have lost their lives to it. The last thing they need is additional burdens from released prisoners who go on to commit more crimes against a vulnerable community.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee dedicates ourselves to protecting the rights of victims and preventing victimization not only as we paused to recognize National Crime Victims’ Rights Week but also during this crisis and throughout the year. As we move forward, we will continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of our communities.

J. Douglas Overbey, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Tennessee, emphasizes the importance of maintaining public safety and the rule of law amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

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