Many people have the opportunity to sit in ignorance of domestic violence, often they say it only occurs in other countries or perhaps there is some in the US, but it’s mostly among those who are using drugs or alcohol. They are surprised and shocked to learn that according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
- On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. During one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men.
- 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner contact sexual violence, and/or intimate partner stalking with impacts such as injury, fearfulness, post-traumatic stress disorder, use of victim services, contraction of sexually transmitted diseases, etc.
- On a typical day, there are more than 20,000 phone calls placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide.
- 1 in 15 children are exposed to intimate partner violence each year, and 90% of these children are eyewitnesses to this violence.
Finances and Domestic Abuse are Connected
Women’s Aid, a UK federation that works to assist women who have survived domestic abuse conducted a survey that showed that 66% of domestic abuse survivors’ abusers were using them financially. They may:
- Control access to bank accounts.
- Prevent women from working or being independent.
- Use their paychecks/money without permission.
- Take out loans/credit cards in their name.
The person who is being abused finds it even harder to escape because they have no financial stability. How do you leave when you can’t put gas in the car, cannot afford housing, or may not be able to obtain employment due to bad credit?
Rising Inflation = Rising Stress = Domestic Violence Spikes
As inflation rises and people find their paychecks no longer go as far as they used to or maybe they have even lost their job(s) stress rises. As stress rises, so does family violence. Domestic violence spikes during times of “celebration.” Marta Pelaez, CEO of Family Violence Prevention Services says, “Fiesta, football season, basketball season. There is a correlation with what happens during those events. Sad to say, alcohol and drugs happen to be the vehicle.” Financial, emotional, or mental abuse escalates into physical abuse.
Pelaez goes on to say, “There are people under the same level of stress living at the same time with everybody else who choose to be respectful, loving members of their families. Ask for help. There are places that can help you bear the economic crisis, but do not take it against those who you claim to love.”
What Can We Do?
How do we avoid this increase? Is there any way to decrease domestic violence? What can I do to help? By providing support in many different ways.
- Food
- Medical help
- Crisis & Respite Nursery
- Employment assistance
- Counseling and education
- Therapy
- Legal help
- Volunteering your services at support centers
Box Elder Family Support Center offers:
The Crisis and Respite Nursery is available 24 hours a day, we provide staff who are certified in CPR & First Aid, educational activities, nutritious meals, and more. If you need a safe place for your child(ren) or if you just need a break or if you want to make use of other educational services we offer we are here to help with the kids.
Our Case Management Program creates a plan based on you. A manager will go over several areas to determine what course is best for you and then help you achieve that. We can provide information on various government services, programs, referrals and assist in determining eligibility. We can assist in finding employment, building resumes, budgeting, seeking housing, clothing needs, and so much more!
Family Life Education can totally change your life! Our trained instructors customize educational experiences for adults and children. Classes are available on location, in your home, or at a group’s location. Classes include parenting skills, nurturing, the challenges of stepfamilies, strengthening families, and more. You are certain to find something that will strengthen you.
We also offer Family Therapy with certified instructors. Even if you do not have insurance, you are welcome. We offer assistance in strengthening individuals and families who have trauma-related disorders, marital challenges, emotional healing, and brain self-regulation.
In addition, we are forever grateful to those who volunteer time, who offer financial support, and those who assist with donations.
Please, if you are in a domestic violence situation reach out for help. The national American hotline for domestic abuse is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)