Eviction holds that happened during the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on child abuse and neglect reports, according to a recent study from the University of Georgia.
The temporary suspension of evictions that were seen in COVID-19 have been linked to reports of reduced child abuse, as much as 21%. The study compared data from Child Protective Services in states that did implement pauses on evictions during the pandemic, to states who did not put a hold in place.
According to the study, rates of physical abuse dropped by 16%, sexual abuse fell 21% and neglect dropped by 12%.
Researchers emphasized the impact on family relationships when dealing with the emotional pressures of living in poverty.
