VANCOUVER – The tensions that can emerge from being quarantined at home day-after-day with the same people are starting to reveal themselves in the latest statistics on domestic violence.
Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers urges anyone with information on any specific case of domestic abuse to call and provide anonymous information.
“With no sign yet of the stay-at home orders being lifted, people may know of friends, neighbours, or even relative strangers down the street who may be suffering abuse at the hands of a spouse or partner. Many people don’t want to get involved, but an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers may put an end to it, or even save a life,” says Linda Annis, Executive Director of Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers.
Vancouver’s Battered Women’s Support Services reports a 300 per cent spike in calls to its crisis line since the COVID-19 outbreak began.
A similar trend is reported elsewhere in places like New York City, and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres pointed out recently that violence is not confined to the battlefield. He said, “For many women and girls, the threat looms largest where they should be safest – in their own homes” due to COVID-19 lockdowns. He’s calling for what he calls “peace in the home”.
“With the pandemic deepening and domestic violence worsening here in B.C and around the world, we should all be vigilant. If you know someone who’s a victim, an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers means the information will get to someone who can investigate,” says Linda Annis.
Do you know a victim of domestic violence? Some common signs that someone may be abused at home:
* Their partner may be jealous, possessive or excessively controlling
* Their partner may insult them in front others
* They constantly worry about making their partner angry
* They make excuses for their partner’s behaviour
* They have unexplained marks or injuries
* A noticeable change in normal behaviour; no longer spend time with friends and family
Anonymous tips may be provided though Crime Stoppers’ downloadable “P3” app for Apple and Android phones, calling Crime Stoppers at 1-855-448-8477 (new number) or 1-800-222- 8477, online at solvecrime.ca<http://www.solvecrime.ca/>, or by following the link on the Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers Facebook page<https://www.facebook.com/metrovancouvercrimestoppers/>.
Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers accepts tips in 115 different languages and will pay a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of a criminal, recovery of stolen property, seizure of illegal drugs or guns or denial of a fraudulent insurance claim. Tipsters stay anonymous by using code numbers to check back later and collect their rewards.
