'Home Isn't Safe For Everyone' – Domestic Violence Calls Are Up In W.Va., Child Abuse Referrals Down

On this West Virginia Morning, we explore the dark side of social distancing. The stay-at-home order has resulted in an uptick in domestic violence calls in West Virginia. Also, in today’s show we hear from one researcher who has studied how global pandemics have shaped our history.

Since stay-at-home orders were issued by Gov. Jim Justice on March 24, domestic violence is up in the state. But advocates have seen fewer referrals for child abuse cases, and they think that will change once social distancing ends. Liz McCormick reports.

West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s program Us & Them is a show that explores stories about the things that divide us. Right now, that thing is a microscopic virus — the coronavirus. In the latest episode called “Forced Apart,” host Trey Kay speaks with someone who has studied society’s reaction to pandemics throughout history.

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