Domestic violence is getting worse in Indianapolis as a result of the social distancing policies enacted to combat the coronavirus, according to new research shared with IndyStar.

Domestic violence is one of two categories of crime reported to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department that appears to be affected by coronavirus policies, according to a research paper from a group of criminologists and professors at universities, including Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.

Residential burglaries, the other category, have declined, the research says, likely because fewer homes are providing opportunistic targets during the day as more people stay home.

The increase in domestic violence, though, is leading to an alarming reality that advocates, law enforcement and researchers had feared would happen. Victims are now staying home for longer periods of time alongside those who abuse them.

Many of those victims — maybe up to 40 percent, according to one crisis center — are not reaching out for help because they feel especially trapped right now.

"They're scared to leave, scared to stay," said Sandra Ziebold, CEO of Beacon of Hope Crisis Center, a Christian-affiliated nonprofit.

Ziebold's 40 percent estimate is based on a comparison between her organization's data and crime numbers shared by local law enforcement.

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The jump in domestic violence began after the state forced restaurants and bars to begin closing March 16, the research says. The trend continued into the next week, when Gov. Eric Holcomb issued a stay-at-home order.

Both measures, based off of guidance from a majority of health experts, are designed to slow the spread of the coronavirus and minimize the number of COVID-19 patients who end up in emergency rooms at a single time.

"The key takeaway is what we're observing is because of social distancing and shelter-in-place," said Jeremy Carter, a criminal justice professor at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis who worked on the research team. " And these things are either up or down because of that."

The team examined daily calls for service from Jan. 2 through April 1, according to the research paper. Researchers then accounted for changes in reporting brought on by the two orders issued in March.

Carter acknowledged that two weeks of social distancing presents a relatively small sample size. He said he hopes to provide more analysis on crime and other public safety data as more data becomes available.

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The trends line up with what is being reported in other American cities, Carter said.

And his research so far is backed up by what IMPD officers are seeing, Assistant Chief Chris Bailey said.

"We're hearing a lot more disturbances. Maybe not in the traditional sense of domestic violence … intimate partners committing violence on each other," Bailey said. "I hear a lot of disturbances between parents and kids and them and neighbors."

Bailey went on: "That's one of the biggest runs we go on these days."

Crime-wise, not much else has changed as a result of the social distancing policies, Carter said.

"I think there's a belief that all crime should be down because people are on lockdown," Carter told IndyStar. "That's just not the case."

Gun violence, in particular, remains problematic in Indianapolis. And the number of homicides, which surged at the start of the year, have remained stubbornly high through April 6 compared with the prior five years.

Whereas the city averaged 35 homicides during that time period in those five years, IMPD has investigated 54 homicides so far in 2020.

"The conditions that lead people to commit violence still exist," Bailey said. "We have a few domestic homicides this year, too."

That might be what worries Ziebold, of Beacon of Hope, the most.

Indianapolis was already home to more than 10,000 victims of violence, according to Domestic Violence Network data collected in 2016, the most recent year available.

Now, many homes are experiencing a financial strain as unemployment filings surge in Indiana.

"With our unemployment situation there's an increased level of frustration for all individuals, especially providers in a home, if they already have a tendency to not deal well when they aren’t in control," Ziebold said. "Domestic violence is about power and control. The more you don't feel in control, the more domestic violence increases."

But she wants everyone to know that places like Beacon of Hope are prepared to help.

"The message I want them to hear," Ziebold said, "is that there's hope."

Domestic violence resources

If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911 for help. For additional information or support, contact one of these local or national resources:

Beacon of Hope Crisis Center

Beacon of Hope provides support and education to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Those in need can call 317-731-6140, email info@beaconofhopeindy.org or send messages on social media platforms. Learn more at beaconofhopeindy.org.

The Julian Center

The Julian Center, located at 2011 N. Meridian St., offers a safe haven for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. To learn more about supportive services or to contact the 24-7 crisis line, call 317-920-9320. Learn more at juliancenter.org.

Domestic Violence Network

The Domestic Violence Network's website, dvnconnect.org, includes information for immediate resources, locally and nationally.

Families First

Counselors will work with you and family members to create a safety plan, help you with stress management and communication, and talk about the signs of addictive relationships and violence. Call 317-634-6341 and ask to speak with a program assistant for domestic violence services. Learn more at familiesfirstindiana.org.

Indiana 211

Hoosiers can call 211 or 866-211-9966 to be connected with resources and advocates near them 24/7. Learn more at in211.communityos.org.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

The hotline has representatives available to speak to victims and survivors 24/7. Call 1-800-799-7233 or log on to speak to someone. If you're unable to speak safely, log on to thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522.

IndyStar reporter Holly Hays contributed to this article.

Contact IndyStar investigative reporter Ryan Martin at ryan.martin@indystar.com or by phone, Signal or WhatsApp at 317-500-4897. Follow him on Facebook or Twitter: @ryanmartin.

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