Freakonomics Radio

505. Did Domestic Violence Really Spike During the Pandemic?

14 snips
Jun 2, 2022
Amalia Miller, an economist at the University of Virginia, and Eddie Garcia, the Chief of Police in Dallas, delve into the nuances surrounding domestic violence during the pandemic. They discuss how initial fears of a spike in intimate-partner assaults were complicated by varying data and reporting challenges. Miller highlights the role of legislative changes and the significance of accurate data, while Garcia shares insights on policing strategies and community engagement. Together, they unravel the realities and misconceptions fueling the conversation on domestic violence in these unprecedented times.
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INSIGHT

Domestic Violence Reporting

  • Domestic violence constitutes a substantial portion of violent crime, especially against women.
  • More female police officers correlate with increased reporting, possibly due to victims' increased comfort.
INSIGHT

COVID's Impact on Domestic Violence

  • During shutdowns, domestic violence calls increased, but recorded crimes decreased.
  • This might be due to increased reporting by neighbors or police prioritizing other issues, yet homicide and suicide rates (often correlated) fell.
ANECDOTE

The COVID Baby Boom

  • Experts predicted a COVID baby bust, citing recession and the Spanish flu.
  • Yet the US birth rate rose for the first time in 7 years due to economic recovery and government stimulus.
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