New Mexico Man Tries To Burn Wife After Learning She Didn't Qualify For COVID-19 Relief Check

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The current COVID-19 crisis has brought out the worst in some people, such as this man in New Mexico who tried to set his wife on fire after being enraged for not qualifying for a COVID-19-related stimulus check.

In a recent article, Joe Macias was arrested last week shortly after an argument with his disabled wife, where he allegedly doused her with gasoline.

Authorities say the wife reported Macias had come home around 5 p.m. with a four-pack of beer and "upset because he did not qualify for the stimulus check."

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She added, the 63-year-old Macias threw gas on her and their mobile home.

The wife told officers Macias then pulled out a cigarette and attempted to light it several times, but was unsuccessful due to the lighter being drenched in gasoline.

Police say officers spotted Macias walking down the street and discovered his clothes were soaked in gasoline. Officers also found the victim on the floor inside a nearby trailer, her hair and pajamas soaked in gasoline.

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Macias faces charges including attempted murder, kidnapping, and aggravated battery against a household member.

As of Sunday, there were 624 positive tests for COVID-19 New Mexico, according to state health officials.

The health authorities also announced the 12th death in the state, a man in his 40s from McKinley County with underlying chronic medical conditions who died on April 5.

One of the often unseen circumstances concerning the global upsurge related to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic across the world is that it has also increased the possibility of domestic abuse where women and children are most vulnerable. The United Nations is pushing for immediate global action to end all forms of violence against women and children.

According to the organization, the upsurge in violence has been documented across the globe - from Argentina to China, Germany, Turkey, Honduras, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States, to name a few.

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United Nations further claims that as the number of women and girls being abused increases, more significant complexities to the violence are perpetrated.

In some cases, women who are suspected, despite being erroneous, of exposure to the coronavirus, are being thrown out amid lockdown.

Their abusers are also taking advantage of the isolation measures knowing that women are unable to call for help or escape since social services are overwhelmed, under-resourced, and have shifted to manage the implications of the virus. 

Aside from that, civil society organizations that may have previously helped victims of violence are unable to operate.

The UN calls for governments in all countries to dedicate funding to COVID-19 response plans for domestic violence shelters. Also, asking nations to increase support to call-in lines, including text services, online legal aid, and psychosocial services for women and girls so reports of abuse can take place discreetly.