Every Month Domestic Violence Survivors Should be Recognized
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, however at Beresford Booth we recognize the importance of speaking out and advocating for domestic violence survivors every month. While the holidays are joyous occasions for many, it is a time of increased domestic violence. This is attributed to increased stress surrounding finances or planning, an increased likelihood of using drugs or alcohol, and increased time at home together.
Speaking up about the real statistics of domestic violence allows more survivors to tell their own stories and others to reach out for help. According to statistics, you probably know someone who is or has encountered intimate partner violence. Those statistics include:
- Each year, approximately 12,673,000 individuals in the United States are victims of intimate partner violence, including physical violence, rape, or stalking.
- 41.4% of women and 31.7% of men in Washington State experience intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner rape and/or intimate partner stalking in their lifetimes.
- On average, three women are killed by a current or former intimate partner every day in the United States, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics.
- Of the women who will experience domestic violence in their lifetime, 68% will suffer a near-fatal strangulation. Women who are strangled by their intimate partner are 750% more likely to be murdered by that partner within one-year. This data is from 2018, while strangulation assaults have exponentially increased in recent years.
Warning Signs
To help prevent domestic violence, it is important to recognize the warning signs. Signs often begin subtly and worsen over time. While not all-inclusive, the following list may indicate potential signs of domestic violence:
- Isolation – Permission is needed before making plans or speaking to friends and family members. Victims may be forced to quit their jobs or drop out of school. The abuser may set a rigid schedule for the partner, they may keep track of their partner’s location at all times, and they may constantly review the others emails and phone records.
- Low Self-Esteem – Feeling deserving of the abuser’s violence, accepting fault for, and making excuses for their partner’s behavior.
- Unexplained Injuries – Bruises, cuts, scrapes, or even broken bones that are blamed on clumsiness or are in multiple stages of healing.
- Depression or Anxiety – Persistent feelings of hopelessness, fear of angering their partner, and fear of repercussions for seeking help.
There is a reciprocal interplay between the physical and non-physical elements of domestic violence. If someone is being physically harmed or intimidated by a partner, they are less likely to object to their partner’s efforts to degrade or control behavior.
When someone’s self-esteem has been battered through a partner’s insults and belittling treatment, they are more likely to endure physical intimidation and violence. It is difficult to understate how effective this toxic mix is at establishing and maintaining an abusive hierarchy between intimate partners.
This toxicity also makes fighting back against your abuser even harder. The attorneys at Beresford Booth have experience working with domestic violence victims and understand the sensitivity that comes along with this type of work. However, we also understand the tenacity and zealous advocacy it takes to win these types of cases and will pursue your case with full force.
If you are reading this article because you have been a victim of abuse or know someone who has, it is never too late to reach out for help. The resources below could be a first step for you, or they could help you alongside a legal case against your abuser. Please reach out to the Attorneys at Beresford Booth at 425.776.4100 or info@beresfordlaw.com, we can help you at any stage in your journey, including petitioning for protection orders or divorce, or other creative solutions.
Resources
Victim Notification Network (VINE)
Victims of Domestic Violence often find it helpful in planning for their safety to know when an arrested offender is released from custody. VINE is a solution that lets victims of crime and other concerned citizens access timely and reliable information regarding offenders. You can sign up for text messages, phone calls, and e-mail alerts. It is offered free of charge to registrants, completely confidential, and features multiple languages. The website also has a “quick exit” button that will redirect you to Google. Kelsey’s experience as a prosecuting attorney taught her that this system is often quicker to alert you to than law enforcement agencies.
Domestic Violence Services (DVS) of Snohomish County
(425) 25-ABUSE or (425) 252-2873 – 24hr Crisis Hotline
Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County is a non-profit organization that provides emergency shelter and comprehensive, confidential services to victims of domestic abuse of all backgrounds. They provide supportive housing and support groups and can assist with legal advocacy or connect you with pro bono or low bono attorneys. The website also has a “quick exit” button that will redirect you to CNN.
If you would like to support Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County, you can find more information here: https://dvs-snoco.org/support-us/
YWCA Pathways for Women
(425) 774-9843, ext. 226
YWCA Pathways for Women is a 45-day emergency shelter for single adult women and mothers with children. They give all clients the opportunity to find decent, affordable, and safe housing for themselves and their children. Clients have their own room and meet regularly with an advocate to develop and execute a Housing Stability Action Plan.
YWCA Gender-Based Violence Specialized Services (GBVSS)
(877) 757-8297 (call & text)
Offers advocacy, counseling, support groups, housing assistance and legal services in support of Domestic Violence victims and their families. Services include individual assistance with safety planning and issues related to gender-based violence, as well as weekly support groups. Our advocates provide intensive, individualized services for survivors who are furthest from opportunity, particularly Black and African American women.
To learn more about Every Month Domestic Violence Survivors Should be Recognized, please contact Beresford Booth at info@beresfordlaw.com or by phone at (425) 776-4100.
