Domestic abuse on the rise

The pandemic has taken its toll in countless ways, some of them hidden behind closed doors. Over the last year, Crook County Family Violence and Sexual Assault Services (CCFV) has seen its caseload double.

"Since the pandemic hit, we are seeing more and more cases of domestic violence and sexual assault. It's because of the stress and the being shut in, and people's coping mechanisms are turning towards drugs and alcohol," says Sandy Steven, CCFV Director.

"Extra stress can cause mental health issues, and the reaction to stress can be through violence and other means, such as physical abuse...