Domestic violence increase not seen in Imperial

While individuals are practicing social distancing to avoid the spread of COVID-19, those who experience domestic violence could see staying home as dangerous.
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) issued a release about combatting domestic violence during the pandemic.
“Domestic violence is rooted in power and control,” said Sheri Dawson, director of the DHHS’s Division of Behavioral Health.
In a time where employees work remotely as social distancing is encouraged, abusers may take advantage of an already stressful situation to gain more control.
“We are all feeling a lack of control in our day-to-day lives right now. An individual who cannot manage, will take it out on their victim,” she said.
“Survivors already in an abusive situation will likely face more extreme violence when they can no longer leave by going to work, visiting with family and friends. Social connectedness and safety planning with friends and family has never been more important.”
The Imperial Police Department has not seen an increase in domestic violence reports during the pandemic, Chief Ryan Wisnieski said.
“Honestly the people of Imperial are great about reporting things out of place or worried about their neighbors,” Wisnieski said. “I would just continue to ask them to keep up the good work.”
Chase County Sheriff Kevin Mueller echoed Wisnieski’s words.
“Luckily we have not seen an increase in those types of calls,” Mueller said.
“I think we are fortunate enough to be able to self-isolate and distance ourselves but still be able to enjoy the outdoors and not be locked in our houses,” he said.
If assistance is needed in a domestic violence case, resources can be found at www.nebraskacoalition.org/get_help.