Domestic Violence on the Rise

Recently two separate domestic violence situations–one in Lake Wales and one in Auburndale–have made the local news. According to NBC News and preliminary data from local law enforcement, domestic violence homicides are increasing in many U.S. cities around the country. In at least two major counties, they have doubled — a reversal of multi-year declines. Experts attribute the alarming increase to the social and economic pressures created by COVID-19. Given the danger of domestic violence, and now it’s increase even in our community, it’s important to know the warning signs and connect victims with resources like Peace River Center Victim Service‘s 24-hour domestic violence crisis lines:

• Hardee/Highlands Counties: 863.386.1167
• Polk County: 863.413.2700

Identifying Abusers

Anyone can be an abuser. They come from all groups, all cultures, all religions, all economic levels, and all backgrounds. There is no one typical, detectable personality of an abuser. An abuser may be pleasant and charming between periods of violence and is often seen as a “nice person” to others outside the relationship.

Domestic Violence Warning Signs

• Showing extreme jealousy of your friends or time spent away from them.
• Extremely controlling behavior such as dictating who someone can and cannot hang out with, when they can see their family, or what clothes to wear or not wear
• Antiquated beliefs about roles of women and men in relationships
• Insulting, demeaning, or shaming you, especially in front of other people. Even if the abuser claims they are just “teasing” or “messing around.”
• Insulting your parenting or threatening to harm or take away your children or pets.
• Controlling finances in the household without discussion, including taking your money or refusing to provide money for necessary expenses.
• Pressuring you to have sex or perform sexual acts you’re not comfortable with.

View additional warning signs. If you’re unsure if you are experiencing a relationship red flag, please call the Peace River Center Victim Services Office, 863.413.2708.

Tips for Protection

We always recommend you complete safety planning. Peace River Center provides safety planning to every client, even those who remain with their abuser or are served through our DV community outreach efforts (versus staying at one of our DV shelters). Please call our domestic violence crisis hotline to talk about a safety plan today:

• 24-Hour DV Crisis Line Hardee/Highlands Counties: 863.386.1167
• 24-Hour DV Crisis Line Polk County: 863.413.2700

Here are some additional suggestions from Mayo Clinic to help maintain your privacy and safety.

• Be cautious with phones. The abuser might intercept calls and eavesdrop on conversations. He or she might use caller ID, check your cellphone or search phone billing records to see who the survivor is calling and texting.
• Be aware of computer browsing history. It is near impossible for computer or cell phone browser histories to be completely cleared. An abuser may even use spyware to monitor the survivor’s emails. Consider using a computer at work, the library or at a friend’s house to seek help.
• Check phone and vehicle for GPS devices. GPS devices can be used by abusers to pinpoint survivor’s locations.
• Change email passwords often. It’s also advisable to select hard to guess passwords.