#3 - Protecting Against Domestic Violence and Child Abuse During COVID-19. with Larry Lawson

SUMMARY Larry Lawson is a career law enforcement officer that has served as a uniformed policeman, investigator, and educator.  He offers insights on domestic violence and child abuse from his long career.  His perspective comes from his time serving in the trenches and having a first-hand view of domestic abuse and violence in our community.  Larry feels there is a potential to see an increase in these behaviors motivated by pressures from the COVID-19 pandemic. ------------------------------ HIGHLIGHTS [00:00:55] Susan introduces Larry Lawson and he shares his career of being a cop and fighting against domestic violence. [00:02:58] Larry talks about things that can put strain on people enough to cause domestic violence. [00:05:49] Larry shares some resources that you can use during COVID-19 to protect yourself from domestic violence. [00:12:05] Susan and Larry discuss what type of behaviors lead to child abuse. [00:16:10] How has the pandemic effected domestic violence? [00:20:56] Larry explains how you can protect yourself and prevent domestic violence any time. ------------------------------ QUOTES 3:08 “Whenever you've got folks that are under stress, the instances of domestic violence tend to increase.” 12:29 “I would like for people to know that these shelters do have clothing, even professional clothing available so that they can help you get a job, they can help you be financially independent and things of that nature while your escaping your abuser.” 14:38 “I've arrested people that have committed acts of violence to a domestic partner, and just the mere fact that their children's standing there watching it added those charges of child abuse.” 15:58 “We are all a product of our childhood in one way or another.” 18:20 “They're worried about their five-year-old or their eight year old pulling the curtains off the window and at the same time wondering how are we going to eat tonight during this pandemic.” ------------------------------ RESOURCES https://www.thechesnuttlawfirm.com/about/ https://www.thechesnuttlawfirm.com/domestic-violence-lawyer/ Safe Space: http://www.safespacefl.org/about-us.html State Attorney’s Office: (772) 226-3300 National Abuse Hotline: 1(800)-799-7233

Om Podcasten

This is Susan Chesnutt of The Chesnutt Law Firm. This is my podcast From Foster Care to Family Law: A Child Welfare Focus. I was raised in the foster care system, I was a child abuse investigator for the Department of Children and Families, and now I am an attorney practicing family law where my passion is to focus on the best interests of the children involved. In my podcast, I will be meeting industry experts exploring the seemingly impossible scenarios that families often struggle to manage. Each episode will include insights and concepts from professionals that deal with these issues.