Pandemic sparked rise in domestic violence. But help is available

By Agnes’ Centers for Domestic Solutions

Welcome to October, the month of ghost and goblins, when all the television networks play scary movies and the kids are excited about Halloween. Most families begin planning for the holiday season, storing summer clothes and bringing out the autumn and winter wardrobes.

October is also National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to remember that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience some form of abuse from an intimate partner, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. On average, nearly 24 people per minute are victims of physical abuse.

According to national reports, domestic violence is on the rise and as the nation begins to rebound from the coronavirus lockdown most people are eager to leave home for recreational, social and economic reasons. Victims are looking for a way to escape the abuse of their intimate partner.

While the government and health departments are focusing on stopping the spread of COVID-19, most advocates against abuse are focusing on stopping domestic violence by raising awareness.

Domestic violence and assault calls to 911 have increased an average of 20% in our nation. Most female victims of intimate partner violence were previously victimized by the same offender, including 77% of females ages 18 to 24, 76% of females ages 25 to 34, and 81% of females ages 35 to 49, as reported by the domestic violence national hotline. Reported in an azcentral.com interview, Phoenix police reported an increase of 140% homicides involving domestic violence. Domestic violence deaths year-to-date through August 3 jumped 180% compared with the same period in 2019.

That’s the problem. Agnes’ Centers for Domestic Solutions has the solutions.

Agnes’ Centers for Domestic Solutions has given aid and assistance to several hundred families throughout the state of Arizona. With a vision to ending the cycle of abuse for both the victim and the abuser, the Center offers individual and group therapy which gives them the tools and skills to overcome trauma, abuse, and addiction. The center offers the following classes on nurturing parenting, domestic violence awareness and prevention, anger management, relapse prevention, DBT, CBT, and overcoming grief. It’s open enrollment for the fall classes. Agnes’ Centers also provides Case Management and Psychological evaluations.

480-664-6554
AgnesCenters.com