In a single year, up to 243 million females can experience intimate partner violence. Unfortunately, domestic violence cases significantly spiked throughout the U.S. since 2020 as the pandemic saw a significant rise in calls to helplines. Downloads of spyware used to help guard against cyberstalking also increased. The rates of domestic violence have jumped by 50% or more for marginalized groups, especially those who have also experienced a high rate of infection and unemployment.
What is causing this jump in domestic abuse cases? Greater stressors around security, health, and finance, more opportunities for abuse, and fewer access to mandated reporters and private, safe screenings.
In the U.S., less than 50% of victims injured by their partner seek medical care. Even worse, almost half of domestic abuse cases don’t get reported. Why are victims not reporting incidents of abuse?
A variety of factors actually affect whether people share their experiences with domestic violence and ask for help. One is the social pressure that is involved from a victim’s family, friends, and community. Others are the psychological effects of the abuse as well as the possible loss of child custody or a partner’s financial support.
71% of female victims who own pets have struggled with getting away from abusers as they keep victims with them by threatening or seriously injuring the pets. Nearly half of victims end up staying in abusive situations while a quarter of victims go back to their abusers due to their pets.
With the rise of domestic violence, is there anything you can do to help? In fact, you can learn to identify the warning signs so you can possibly stop domestic violence before they start. You can also inform the police when you see signs of possible abuse or even listen to those who want someone to lend an ear without judgment.
Supporting local organizations and shelters as well as sharing resources with those who need them most can help someone in your life from becoming involved with domestic abuse.
