Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The importance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month every October is never insignificant. This year, however, the need for awareness is even more prevalent. 2020 has brought extreme changes to every aspect of life as we knew it. Domestic violence is not an exception. Studies have predicted that domestic violence rates have increased worldwide since COVID exploded in March. Domestic violence is something everyone is a potential victim of, no matter your age, race, or background. Although it’s too early to finitely measure the impacts of the pandemic on domestic violence, we know for sure that this issue needs the spread of as much awareness as possible. 

General information on domestic violence

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence defines DV as “the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another.” Here are some statistics from the National Domestic Violence Hotline:

• 1 in 4 women (24.3%) and 1 in 7 men (13.8%) aged 18 and older in the US have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
• More than 12 million people are affected by intimate partner violence each year. 
• 48.4% of all women and  48.8% of men in the US have experienced psychological aggression by an intimate partner in their lifetime.

There is no guide for what domestic violence looks like- it’s a broad issue that can affect people’s lives very differently. Most people typically envision physical abuse when they think of the issue. However, emotional abuse is just as significant. Check out our article, Emotional Abuse is Domestic Violence, Too, for a deeper look into the severity of emotional abuse. 

The importance of spreading awareness

To spread awareness of the issue, it’s crucial to get the basic information of the issue circulating as widely as possible. Knowing the patterns and cycles of abuse is one step to prevent or heal from this issue in your own life and the lives of your loved ones. Recognizing signs of an abuser is also extremely important. Domestic violence often starts with subtle signs, but can rapidly escalate to more dangerous behaviors. The articles linked within this text have great information on these subjects.

Domestic violence has devastating physical, emotional, and psychological effects on its victims. The recovery process can be difficult, and painful, but healing from the trauma that DV brings into your life is always worth it. You deserve to live a happy, free, and safe life, no matter what your past entails. As mentioned above, nobody is exempt from the potential of domestic violence. If you have experienced DV, nothing you did, or do, has brought it into your life. It’s never your fault. 

How 2020 has impacted DV rates

Photo by Priscilla Du Preezon Unsplash

Research regarding how the current year has impacted domestic violence worldwide is not yet conclusive. Since the pandemic is ongoing, it’s impossible to measure the ending effects of it. What we do know is that, so far, rates in many places in the world have increased. The reasons for it are logical. 

Restrictions have been placed in most areas controlling where and when you can go. We know from history that whenever families spend more time with each other, like around the holidays, domestic violence rates increase. Lockdowns have done just that- increase the amount of time you spend around those you live with. There is a huge increase in exposure to potential abusers when you cannot leave your residency. Family members are also more irritable, and prone to arguing, during this stressful time. Victims have way fewer opportunities to seek help, since there are fewer reasons to go anywhere. It’s not a surprise that lockdowns have increased the potential for domestic violence. 

Statistics

A current study by the NCBI has reported the global increases in domestic violence issues so far: 

• In China, near the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak, reported DV rates have tripled compared to the same time last year. 
• Since March, France has experienced a 30% increase in domestic violence-related reports.
• Argentina reported a 25% increase in the same issue since their lockdowns began March 20.
• UN Women’s domestic violence helplines have received 33% more calls from Singapore and 30% more calls from Cyprus.
• Since stay-at-home orders were placed in Portland, Oregon, the police have made 22% more arrests in domestic violence-related crimes.
• San Antonio, Texas police have received an 18% increase in calls regarding family violence since lockdowns.
• New York City police have received 10% more domestic violence calls since March. 

Judging from these statistics, it’s clear the coronavirus pandemic has impacted rates of domestic violence all around the world. And, again, these rates are still prone to further increases, since some areas are still under restrictions. This year hasn’t been easy for anyone, especially victims of domestic violence. Domestic violence is a giant issue that needs any attention it can get to prevent and help its victims. 

Safe Harbor Mission/Hotlines

Safe Harbor is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families heal from trauma. Domestic violence is one of the most significant forms of trauma that families face. Therefore, our organization is dedicated to calling attention towards the issue and helping any victims we can. We have programs developed to help train providers or support groups for those who need it. We can also direct anyone to other hotlines/help centers in many areas of the world.

Want to learn how you can spread awareness surrounding domestic violence? Check out our article on just that topic, here. Be sure to connect with us on social media for more content regarding domestic violence awareness all month long, and every month!

Safe Harbor contact info: 

contact@safeharborim.com

(404) 692- 3245 

National Domestic Violence Hotline:

1.800.799.7233 or livechat 24/7

Written by Grace Haass, blogger at Safe Harbor International Ministries. For more articles, check out ur blog page at https://safeharborim.com/articles/