While the Pittsfield Police Department saw fewer calls related to domestic violence and sexual assault than in the previous year, observers donât necessarily see that as a good thing.
Many believe that the pandemic has worsened risks for violence and made it more difficult for survivors to report. They say underreporting, exacerbated by pandemic conditions, could offer a more accurate explanation for the trend than a drop in violence.
Due to travel and gathering restrictions, survivors may have fewer opportunities to report violence without perpetratorsâ knowledge, and they may fear backlash if perpetrators find out they are making a report.