News

Help for domestic abuse

Tessa Stimatze, Editor|November 30, 2021

Colorado State says domestic violence reports increased nearly six-fold during COVID pandemic

According to The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence’s (NCADV) “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” This national average of the reported abuse all genders face, meaning there are more unreported cases or even misunderstood cases that are investigated incorrectly.

The National Domestic Hotline defines Domestic Abuse as “A pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship.” It’s imperative to note that domestic abuse is a wide range of psychological to physical.

Abusers want full power and control over their partners. Abusers will try to gain this power and control through physical behaviors like punching, kicking, attacking with weapons, sexual abuse, etc.

Psychological abuse includes name-calling, manipulation, putting you down, or shifting the blame of abuse. Abusers may also create financial dependency on them, making it harder to leave the relationship.

Stalking and harassment are other forms of domestic abuse this can include following you, and refusing to leave you alone when asked, unwanted text messages, or unwanted visits.

Locally, Colorado State University reported an increase in domestic abuse cases and a decrease in other crimes over the pandemic. Domestic abuse on campus “rising from just three reported incidents in 2019 to 17 reported in 2020,” according to The Coloradoan. The increase in domestic abuse spiked through the pandemic lockdowns.

Getting out of these situations can be extremely difficult. Some feel that it’s impossible to leave these relationships and break free. Power and control are what they live for; they want to see their partners weak and belittled so they are too afraid or insecure to leave.

There are hotlines and support groups everywhere, local police stations also provide resources and support. Reaching out to loved ones can also help. Victims of abuse are not alone and must realize that while it may be difficult, it is important to get out of these situations safely.

A great resource for Domestic Abuse is The National Domestic Hotline:

Website: https://www.thehotline.org/

Call: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)