There is an increased opportunity for acts of domestic violence with the stay-at-home orders in place because of the novel coronavirus pandemic, according to a news release from West Tennessee Legal Services. The victims of these acts of domestic violence now are required to stay in a confined place with their abusers, do not have a means of escape and feel as if there is no help for them.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men have experienced severe physical violence from an intimate partner. This statistic, added to the stay-at-home order, has nearly doubled the acts of domestic violence, the release said. Jackson’s own Safe Hope Family Justice Center has reported nearly double the calls it usually experiences and local law enforcement agencies have reported upticks in domestic violence calls also.
WTLS is still available to help all those in need of its services, the release said. WTLS is a non-profit law firm, offers free civil legal representation and educational programs to help people in 17 West Tennessee counties receive justice, protect well-being, and support opportunities to overcome poverty. Counties served from offices in Jackson, Dyersburg, Huntingdon, and Selmer are Benton, Carroll, Chester, Crockett, Decatur, Dyer, Gibson, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Lake, Madison, McNairy, Obion, and Weakley.
It can help victims with obtaining orders of protection, divorces, custody issues, criminal court accompaniment, and other matters that relate to domestic abuse. It can also assist victims with finding safe housing.
If you or a minor has experienced domestic violence from a current or former spouse; someone you used to live with or are currently living with; someone you have dated or are currently dating; or related by blood, WTLS is here to help. Although its staff is currently working remotely, its phone lines are still open.
The release said while the Tennessee Supreme Court has suspended in-person court proceedings due to COVID-19, there are a few necessary exceptions – including proceedings related to relief from abuse. This means Tennessee courts are still open to hear orders of protection. Orders of protections that would have otherwise expired between March 13 and May 5 have been extended by the Tennessee Supreme Court Order through Wednesday, May 6. Victims can still apply for orders of protection, although where you apply may be different during the stay-at-home order. In Madison County, victims need to go to the Safe Hope Family Justice Center, located at 512 Roland Avenue in Jackson, as the Madison County General Sessions Clerk’s office is closed to the public.
If you are a victim of domestic violence, you have certain rights known as “Victim’s Rights,” the release said. As a victim of domestic violence, you have the right to be free from intimidation, harassment, and abuse throughout the criminal justice system; the right to be present at all proceedings where the defendant has the right to be present; the right to be heard at all critical stages of the criminal justice process; the right to be informed of all proceedings, and of the release, transfer or escape of the accused or convicted person; the right to a speedy trial or disposition and a prompt and final conclusion of the case; the right to restitution from the offender; and the right to be informed of each of these rights established for victims. WTLS will assist you in receiving these rights.
Contact West Tennessee Legal Services at (800) 372-8346 or (731) 423-0616 or you can apply online at www.wtls.org.