TEXARKANA - Incidents of violence against family members often escalate when people are forced to spend time together.
It's something local law enforcement is aware of during this pandemic.
"That's something that comes with people being closed in together for an extended amount of time," said Shawn Vaughn, spokesman for Texarkana Texas Police Department.
Vaughn said officers have worked a number of verbal disturbances recently but none have escalated to family violence.
"We may have had a few more disturbances, arguments, things like that," Vaughn said.
The Miller County Sheriff's Office has seen a slight uptick in domestic cases and assaults, said Chief Deputy Mark Lewis. However, none of these cases reached the point where anything tragic happened.
"We hope it doesn't reach that point. But cabin fever is beginning to set in for some people," Lewis said.
Texarkana Arkansas Police have not seen much of an increase but are aware that could change as the pandemic drags on, said spokeswoman Sgt. Kristi Bennett.
Resources are still available for victims of domestic violence during this time.
Counselors and case workers at Domestic Violence Prevention continue to help victims despite COVID-19.
Anyone who needs help is encouraged to contact DVP ahead of time if possible so a safety plan can be put in place. However, if you do not have a chance to make advance contact, get out of the situation and call the hotline. The 24-hour crisis line is 903-793-HELP (4357).
DVP's main office is at 424 Spruce St. The office number is 903-794-4000.
DVP works with people in Bowie and Cass counties in Northeast Texas and Miller, Little River, Hempstead, Howard, Pike and Lafayette counties in Southwest Arkansas.
(For more information, visit www.dvptxk.org .)