Warnings about domestic violence & child abuse during isolation

(WDEF) – The Governors of both Tennessee and Georgia are warning about dangerous side affects from staying at home.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and his Children’s Services Commissioner warned about a rise in possible child abuse and neglect cases.

“Another collateral side effect of the COVID-19 pandemic is domestic abuse, particularly child abuse, in our state.”

They aren’t seeing more cases so far.. in fact, it’s the opposite.  And that has them worried.

The Tennessee Child Abuse Hotline has seen a 19% drop from March a year ago.

But officials worry that’s because teachers are the most common reporter of abuse.

They are afraid that as there is more stress put on families, kids can’t reach out to their teachers now.

You can report by calling the Tennessee Child Abuse Hotline (1-877-237-0004) to make reports. Citizens can also report child abuse online at https://apps.tn.gov/carat/ or on the MyTN app.

Governor Brian Kemp noted the same drop in child abuse reports in Georgia.

The Georgia number to call is 1-855-GACHILD (+1 855-422-4453).

But Governor Kemp also is concerned about violence in families.

He noted today that one Atlanta area hospital reported a 15% increase in domestic violence cases since people began working and quarantining from home.