Cape Coral police say domestic violence cases up 33 percent compared to same time last year

The survivor interviewed for this story is a participant of The Shelter for Abused Women & Children

Reporter Nicole Lauren
Writer Lincoln Saunders

There’s a startling new number out when it comes to this pandemic, and it has nothing to do with the number of coronavirus cases.

The number of domestic violence cases has seen a spike during the pandemic.

Cape Coral Police Department says they have been making domestic violence-related arrests every single day, and the numbers show just how bad of a problem this really is.

Between March and July in 2019 there 177 arrests with 1,296 calls. in 2020 during that window, they have seen a 31 percent increase, and Cape Coral police have made 240 arrests and had close to 1700 calls.

We spoke to one woman who spent 5 years in an abusive relationship and has advice to anyone struggling to get out.

“Sometimes you can’t do what they suggest… Sometimes you’re under lock and key with somebody. And it’s really like you’re being held prisoner. So the best thing I could say is try to just go with the flow and be non-confrontational. Don’t degrade yourself but also don’t put yourself in harms way by trying to fight back,” said a former domestic abuse victim.

That victim stressed the importance of finding resources to help your situation. One is the national domestic violence hotline. The number is 1-800-799-7233. You can call them 24/7 or even text if you’re not in a safe place.